FWD: annual Gathering of Pilgrims

[Kathy Gower]

I haven't seen anything on this wonderful list serve about this pilgrim gathering...I am really excited that I will be attending this in Santa Fe with the sisters I walked the camino with...is anyone else planning to attend?


>What:  Gathering of Pilgrims 2001
>When:  March 2-4, 2001
>Where: Santa Fe, New Mexico
>
>Dear Friends,
>
>It is with pleasure and anticipation that I announce another annual
>gathering of pilgrims – our fourth.  Thanks to our pilgrim friend and
>hospitalera Katie Lopez, this year’s meeting will take place in Santa Fe,
>New Mexico, the weekend of March 3rd.
>
>Many of us have found that despite the proliferation of Camino information
>and ease of making contacts with other pilgrims via the Internet, returning
>home from a pilgrimage can be a surprisingly confusing and isolating
>experience.  For the returning pilgrim, finding a community of understanding
>people with whom one can share this powerful, life-changing experience can
>be as important as completing the pilgrimage to Santiago. These gatherings
>give pilgrims the opportunity to share their stories, deepen the meaning of
>pilgrimage and strengthen ties amongst the pilgrim community in North
>America. For future pilgrims, these meetings offer an opportunity to learn
>about the Camino de Santiago from experienced pilgrims and to develop
>realistic expectations for their own Camino experience.
>
>Our weekend will begin Friday evening with an informal dinner, introductions
>and a sharing of stories.  Last year’s participants came away with the
>feeling that this was a special high point of the weekend – an experience
>not to be missed.    Saturday will be filled with presentations, exercises,
>information and entertainment.   In addition to your personal creative
>efforts and contributions, we will have the pleasure of two featured guests,
>both Camino veterans:
>
>George Greenia, one of our presenters, is Editor of La Coronica, and
>Director of the Program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, College of
>William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA.  In  1998 George biked from Paris to
>Santiago and in 1999 biked round trip from Salamanca, north along the Ruta
>de la Plata returning through Portugal along the Ruta Mozarabe.  He has been
>researching, writing and speaking on the Camino as well as leading Labyrinth
>Walk “meditation pilgrimages.
>
>Wanda Sawicki, Art Therapist and Program facilitator from Ontario, Canada,
>has been leading
>work shops that involve participants viewing their own lives as pilgrimage.
>Under Wanda’s skillful guidance, this year’s participants will have an
>opportunity to re-examine and deepen their Camino experience, exploring its
>relationship to their everyday “normal” life.  Says Wanda,“
we will be doing
>art therapy, and not ‘just art’
it will involve meaning,  and depth
an
>opportunity to share stories.  It is not meant to ‘fix’ any problems, but
>rather to invite meaningful sharing of experience.”
>Saturday evening will be free time to visit with old and newfound friends.
>Sunday there will be an optional trip to the Santuario de Chimayo with lunch
>at the Rancho de Chimayo, an old New Mexican house serving northern New
>Mexican fare.  Chimayo is a North American pilgrimage destination predating
>the arrival of the Spaniards.  During Holy Week, thousands of pilgrims go
>there because of the healing properties thought to be found in the dirt.
>Because of the Spanish Conquistadores, there is a history of Santiago.
>Several of the Indian pueblos in the area honor the feast day of Santiago
>with dances and re-enactments of the ‘moros y cristianos.’
>
>Costs, which will include Friday dinner, Saturday workshop, presentations
>and lunch, are still approximate.  They are estimated to be $75.00 to
>$100.00, depending on the number of attendees.   A deposit of $40.00 will be
>asked for upon registration with the balance to be determined later but
>prior to the meeting.  There are a variety of hotel accommodations and
>prices in Santa Fe.  This and transportation information will be sent to
>registrants.
>
>Looking forward to seeing old and new faces in Santa Fe,
>Lin Galea
>
>For further information and registration, contact:
>Lin Galea                      Zita Macy
>Lingaleaahotmail.com           Zmacyaaol.com
>
>
>
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