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“Live bait” for the ‘fishers of men’

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:42:37 +0000

In light of so great a Mystery as the sacred Liturgy here, just now offered, let us briefly bring to mind the theme of this yearâ€™s pilgrimage and what it means for us during these days of grace.This yearâ€™s theme is: Restoration of true devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ present in the holy Eucharist.

Religious tourism

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:07:09 +0000

Religious tourism, also commonly referred to as faith tourism, is a form of tourism, whereby people of faith travel individually or in groups for pilgrimage, missionary, or leisure (fellowship) purposes. For all those travelling overseas and for any purpose health insurance is essential. Visitors insurance for travellers and international student insurance for students planning to study overseas. The world’s largest form of mass religious tourism takes place at the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. North American religious tourists comprise an estimated $10 billion of this industry.

Modern religious tourists are more able to visit holy cities and holy sites around the world. The most famous holy cities are Jerusalem, Mecca, and Varanasi. The most famous holy sites are the Church of Nativity, The Western Wall, Brahma Temple at Pushkar, and the Kaaba. Religious tourism has existed since antiquity, and unlike commercial tourism, is not done for exclusively hedonistic purposes. A study in 2011 found that pilgrims visited Jerusalem for a few reasons: to understand and appreciate their religion through a tangible experience, to feel secure about their religious beliefs, and to connect personally to the holy city.

Tourism Statistics

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:21:15 +0000

According to the World Tourism Organization, an estimated 300 to 330 million pilgrims visit the world’s key religious sites every year. Pilgrimage tourist should buy visitor insurance for medical emergency. According to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, Americans traveling overseas for “religious or pilgrimage” purposes has increased from 491,000 travelers in 2002 to 633,000 travelers in 2005 (30% increase).
According to the Religious Conference Management Association, in 2006 more than 14.7 million people attended religious meetings (RCMA members), an increase of more than 10 million from 1994 with 4.4 million attendees.
The United Methodist Church experienced an increase of 455% in mission volunteers from 1992 with almost 20,000 volunteers compared to 110,000 volunteers in 2006.
The Christian Camp and Conference Association states that more than eight million people are involved in CCCA member camps and conferences, including more than 120,000 churches.
Religious attractions including Sight & Sound Theatre attracts 800,000 visitors a year while the Holy Land Experience and Focus on the Family Welcome Center each receives about 250,000 guests annually. [3]
50,000 churches in the United States with religious travel programs
One-quarter (25%) of travelers said they were currently interested in taking a spiritual vacation.

Pre-registration, by popular demand

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:26:04 +0000

You asked to be able to â€˜pre-registerâ€™, in order to â€˜ride the wave of enthusiasmâ€™ of last pilgrimage with your brigadesmen & women, to â€˜tide you overâ€™ till next year.Just donâ€™t delay. Make use precisely of the grace God gives you, when He gives it, as He gives it. [as per St. (Mother) Maria Maravillas of Jesus, O.C.D.]You asked to be able to â€˜pre-registerâ€™, in order to â€˜ride the wave of enthusiasmâ€™ of last pilgrimage with your brigadesmen & women, to â€˜tide you overâ€™ till next year.

Pilgrims pray for pilgrims, and the unborn among us

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:26:00 +0000

Veteran pro-lifers who pray and give witness at the site suggest that pilgrims stay on Livingston Street, behind the clinic, and not to speak to international student insurance anyone from the AWC, but rather to pray for all parties, including those who seek to counsel the mothers (and sometimes fathers) of the children in utero going into the clinic.Fellow pilgrims and all men & women of good will are welcome to join the brigadesmen & women of St. Michael.

A miracle for – saint! – Kateri Tekakwitha

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 05:25:56 +0000

“Holy Father, he has received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato SDB, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and approved the visitor medical insurance promulgation of decrees concerning the following causes:

MIRACLE
– Blessed Giovanni Battista Piamarta, Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Congregation of the Servants of the Lord Humble (1841-1913).
– Servant of God, Assunta Marchetti Italian co-founder of the Missionaries of St. Charles (1871-1948).
– Servant of God Maria Anna Amico Roxas, Italian laywoman and foundress of the Society of St. Ursula (1883-1947).”