they are even confirmed by the example of the Saints, and by the Indulgences of the Church.
It is true that God is, and hears us, everywhere; nevertheless, He may be more disposed to hear us in certain places, as well as at certain times. Moreover, in Places of Pilgrimage there are many things calculated to excite us to pray with greater fervor and confidence, and, therefore, with more chances of being heard. Should abuses intervene, not the Pilgrimages, but the abuses, should be condemned.
16. How does the Church wish Pilgrimages to be made?
The Church wishes, 1. That we should not neglect for them the urgent duties of our state or profession; 2. That we should have a good intention; 3. That we should well employ the time engaged in them, and patiently endure the hardships which attend them; and 4. That we should pray fervently at the Holy Place, and, if possible, go there to Confession and Communion.
17. Have Pilgrimages long been in use?
They were in use even under the Old Law, where we see that, by an express command of God, the Israelites went on a pilgrimage to the Temple of Jerusalem, as did also Jesus and Mary. and the first Christians went frequently to the place where Christ lived and suffered, and to the tombs of the Apostles and holy Martyrs.
18. What are 'Confraternities'?
They are pious Associations, generally approved of by the Popes, and established for the purposes of mutual prayer, encouragement, and assistance in the performance of good works and the frequentation of the Sacraments.
Since Confraternities conduce much to holiness of life, when the rules — which, however, as such, do not bind under pain of any sin — are well kept, the Church has granted them ample Indulgences; yet all are free to apply or not for admittance into them.
Application. Take part with great devotion in the Religious Practices and Ceremonies of the Church, and
