Spending the Lenten Season in Europe is a remarkable moment. Europe has been a religious destination for many Roman Catholics. Why not? Europe covers the countries with significant parts in the Christian world.
The
Vatican City State, in Rome, is the house of the pope. The pope has the full authority over the city that is situated on the Vatican Hill. When
Pope John Paul died in 2005, millions of Catholic devotees landed in Vatican City to give their final respect for the pope.
The Basilica of Lourdes, in France, is another pilgrim destination. About 600 pilgrims flock at the Basilica of Lourdes shrine every year. This is because, many believe that the surrounding areas of the site are holy, and can heal sick people.
Lourdes was one of the many places where the apparitions of
Mother Mary were apparently seen. The Zaragiza, Spain experienced the apparition in 40 AD. In 1846, La Sallete, France experienced the same. The Knock, Ireland also saw the apparition in 1879. The Castelpetroso, in Italy was an apparition site, too, in 1888. In addition, Fatima, Portugal experienced the apparition in 1916-1917; the Cairo, Egypt, Medjugorje, and Yugoslavia saw Mary through an apparition.
The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of Rome, is the official residence of the Pope. The Pope, the highest leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is also the head of state of Vatican. This is an independent state, which used to be a part of Italy, has
Tracked: Jun 14, 16:45
Spending the Holy Week in France is an exciting experience. Indeed, it is one of the most visited countries in the world because of its historical and religious destinations. Who doesn't know the Eiffel Tower in Paris? It is one of the top destinations of
Tracked: Jun 30, 07:48
Nearly two years ago, my partner and I joined other couples on religious European tour which took us to many religious places in Europe. But nothing is more religious apart from the Holy Land and the Vatican than the region of Umbria in Italy. This region
Tracked: Aug 12, 14:41