Virtual Pilgrimage as a Result of the Application of New Technologies in Promotion. Case Study of the World Centre of Divine Merci in Cracow-Łagiewniki
Purpose. The impact of modern technologies on promotional activities supporting the development of Veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy and St Faustina carried out by Divine Mercy Sanctuary in Łagiewniki and effects of this action manifesting itself in new ways and forms of pilgrimage. Method. This article presented data analysis concerning the development of the pilgrimage movement of the Sanctuary dating back to its beginning until today, and it also confronts traditional pilgrimage with the virtual one. Findings. The research showed that thanks to employing new media and computer tools, there has been a significant increase in the number of so-called ‘virtual’ pilgrimages in recent years. The carried out promotional activities remain true to the charisma of the place and in line with the mission of spreading the proclamation of the Divine Mercy. Intense and consistent actions in favour of promoting worship, cause many visits, both actual and cybernetic, from all continents to the World Centre of Veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy in Cracow Łagiewniki today. This worship has now reached a global range. Research and conclusion limitations. No systematic, comparable data. Practical implications. Research studies in promotional activities and new technologies being used for that purpose by the place of veneration are extremely significant in identifying the transformation of different forms of pilgrimage which have their consequences in the size of the tourist area attendance. Originality. Rarely performed analysis of the impact of modern technologies on promotional activities of the worship place. Type of paper. Case study.