Religious journeys offer spiritual benefits
Heading: A Multi-Decade Pilgrimage Journey to the Holy Mountain
Gathering a motley crew this year, eighteen long-distance travelers and a bus-full of enthusiasts embarked on an ancient pilgrimage, making their way to the Mother of God on the Holy Mountain in Pribram. And this wouldn't be any ordinary pilgrimage—it was the 18th footstep and 13th parish excursion, a tradition dating back a whopping 165 years!
The brainchild of the initiator, Georg Plötz (a.k.a. "Binder Girgl"), from Engelshütt, this journey has maintained its sway since its inception in 1856. Plötz took the reins until 1916, establishing his lasting mark on this vivid tradition.
In the aftermath of the border opening, the tour to this sanctuary was rekindled by the combined efforts of Hans Schmid and Paul Roßberger senior. With only a small group setting out in the initial years post-2007, the numbers swelled in 2011...
However, elbow-deep in history and beyond the realm of Google searches, we find an intriguing trail unraveling. Geographically situated in Příbram, Czech Republic, the pilgrimage site is none other than the revered Marian pilgrimage site known as Svatá Hora. This sacred location echoes with the echoes of centuries, harboring a spiritual aura that continues to draw pilgrims from near and far.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and Georg Plötz's organized parish pilgrimages have resurfaced, playing a crucial role in preserving the religious and cultural fabric of the region. Despite the challenges posed by political and social upheavals, these pilgrimages are finding new life, keeping the spirit of the past alive and fueling the passion of those who embark on this spiritual journey.
For a deeper dive into the intricacies of this tradition, it would be wise to consult specialized local historical or ecclesiastical sources from Pribram or Czech religious archives. Unveiling the full story lies within reaching out to the guardians of this temporal legacy in pursuit of the knowledge that binds us to the past, present, and future.
Travelers embarked on this year's pilgrimage journey, not just any ordinary one, but a lifestyle choice that mirrors a centuries-old tradition. This pilgrimage, led by Georg Plötz, is a travel to the spiritual heart of Svatá Hora, a revered Marian pilgrimage site in Příbram, Czech Republic.