Eric Sutton- Image and Pilgramage #1

In chapter 4, the authors discuss icons and pilgrimages.  This idea has never really resonated with me.  I remember my mother telling me about her days growing up in a Catholic family and going to church and her mother kissing the statues there.  I also remember being in art history and hearing about all the cathedrals in Europe created to hold icons for pilgrimage.  To think of all the effort put into creating these large buildings to hold visions for worshiping.  It's hard to conceptualize how people can attribute meaning to an icon that means enough to travel long distances to get to.  For those who travel these distances, they often get a lot out of their trips.  The deeper meaning they anticipate and don't anticipate can appear.  Their experience is only enhanced by seeking these icons.  So that makes me questions, is it about the trip or the destination in that context?  I think more can be discovered in the trip.  More meaning can be created along the way to their icon.