Secular pilgrimage-ing

Over the last few days the idea of going on a pilgrimage has caught my attention. Strangely, most of the references have had little to do with religion.

Instead the pilgrimages has been to such places as ANZAC Cove, Uluru, Melbourne Cup Day, the first day of the Boxing Day test at the MCG or attending Wrestlemania.

As the thought tossed around my mind i realised that i don't really desire to go on a pilgrimage. I couldn't even think of a place i would really want to go. Not St Peter's at the Vatican. Not Jerusalem or the Holy Land.

At last night's Church Council meeting again the idea of pilgrimage was raised.

This time the concept of a pilgrimage was twofold. First, you actually travel to destination. This is an experience in itself.

Second, you perform an inward journey to a destination where you connect with what makes the place significant.

So i wondered... can those who don't believe in God experiance a true pilgrimage? Can you pilgrimage to the MCG, Lord's, Wembley Stadium or Madison Square Garden?

If so, does this make them more open to the gospel?