2004 Pilgrim Gathering

[Kathy Gower]

(a reminder...)

Seventh Annual Gathering of Pilgrims
Santa Barbara, California
March 17-23, 2004


Course for Volunteer Hosts (Hospitalero Training)               March 17-19
Seventh Annual Gathering of Pilgrims                    March 19-21
Spiritual Retreat for Pilgrims                                  March 21-23

Dear Fellow and Future Pilgrims:

Once again, it is our pleasure to announce a gathering of pilgrims – our 7th
Annual  – to be held at the historic Old Mission of Santa Barbara.  We chose
the Mission Renewal Center for several reasons:  its beautiful setting in
central California between the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific
ocean, the tranquility and appropriateness of the gardens and facilities for
our gathering, and the authentic Spanish Colonial ambiance as a reminder of
our connection with the Camino de Santiago in Spain.  Our program presenters
come from a variety of disciplines and interests; their presentations will
entertain you, reconnect you with your pilgrimage experience and further
your knowledge of the Camino.

Best of all, our gatherings offer us the opportunity to share our stories
with new and old friends, people who are special to us because they
understand the unique power and mystery of the pilgrim experience.  To
enhance our sharing, we encourage you to bring  items that you have
collected or created (relics, music, sculpture, carvings, gifts received,
unusual renderings of scallop shells, stories, books, poems, art) that have
particular meaning for you in relation to the Camino.  We will assemble
these items in  an exhibit of "Treasures of the Camino."

This year, in addition to our regular gathering, we are offering two
additional special events for veteran pilgrims:  a two-day training for
hospitaleros prior to the gathering which will enable you to work as a
volunteer host at the refugios in Spain and,  immediately following the
gathering,  a two-day guided retreat  for returning pilgrims providing an
opportunity to incorporate the spiritual experience of the Camino into your
every day life.

All meetings and meals will be held at the Mission Renewal Center, which
offers overnight accommodations in dormitory style rooms.  You may choose to
stay at the Mission Renewal Center, or make your own hotel accommodations.

We look forward to seeing you in sunny Santa Barbara,

Edie Bennett, Meeting Coordinator
(pacificonaearthlink.net)

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