The Sanctity of Emmaus Pilgrimage Heritage Site: The Case of Abbot Francis Pfanner

Abstract

This paper explores the origins of Emmaus pilgrimage heritage site. Religious and different pilgrimage sites will be discussed. The focus of this paper is to describe the establishment and origins of Emmaus pilgrimage heritage site and also the role played by Abbot Francis Pfanner in the establishment of this pilgrimage heritage site. Furthermore, the paper discusses the tourism perspective of religious pilgrimage sites. Emmaus heritage site draws visitors from all over the world, and such visitation is linked to religious-travel. A key objective was to unpack an understanding of religious tourism as a driver behind the observance and respect for Emmaus pilgrimage site. A description of the religious tourism perspective is offered as well as the benefits of religious pilgrimages to the destination. The paper is conceptual and emphasis is on the sanctity of the site while also offering some perspective of religious tourism as a strategy to sustain and market the heritage site to attract a greater volume of global pilgrims. A qualitative research method has been used to get answers and a descriptive analysis has been done to show the sanctity of Emmaus heritage site. The paper demonstrates that a ‘niche’ product of religious tourism is indeed a big drawcard for the industry. There is a ‘sanctity’ element of Emmaus pilgrimage site as well as a presentation of the key role played by Abbot Francis Pfanner. Reflection of religious tourism and reasons for motivation and promotion of domestic and international pilgrims to visit pilgrimage sites is also briefly considered. In concluding, the paper draws attention to understanding the Roman Catholic religious’ traditions, and it also presents motivations on a variety of pilgrimage types.