The Testimonium Peregrinationis Peractae ad Sancti Columbani Civitatem.
The religious certificate proves the pilgrimage to the tomb of Sain Columban in Bobbio. Its origin is connected to the penitential or judicial pilgrimages of the Middle Ages: sometimes, a long journey was undertaken, with all the risks and expenses involved, because it was forced by a sentence from the judge or a penance from the confessor. In these cases, it was necessary to prove that the goal had been achieved to receive absolution and remission of the civil or canonical punishment. The Testimonium thus acquires the value of a precious memory to be brought back home and perhaps hung on the wall so that the memory of the experience lived remains alive, with the values and feelings that led to the discovery. The certificate is issued on the condition of having traveled at least the last 150 km on foot or by bicycle from the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio to the Saint’s tomb in Bobbio. The stamps and dates affixed to your Credential will be valid. The Testimonium is issued with the approval of the religious authorities of Bobbio: the Bishop of Piacenza–Bobbio, the Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Bobbio, the Provost of the Basilica of San Colombano, the Archpriest of the Cathedral of Bobbio, the Rector of the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Aiuto.