This book explores the universal dimensions of this sacred adventure. The authors define pilgrimage as a journey, a ritual, a commemoration, and a search for meaning, connection or transformation. All religions honor this form of devotion: Islamic believers participate in the Hajj, Hindus visit holy sites in India, Buddhists lay offerings at shrines all over the world, Protestants journey to the Holy Land, and Catholics make the trek to Lourdes and other European holy places. The Clifts do a fine job assessing some of the reasons people go on pilgrimages and why they have become even more popular in recent years.