Pilgrimage to the Southwest: Exploring Native American and Desert Spirituality	Click PDF icon to download brochure

September 23-October 1, 2008
Co-sponsored with Church of the Good Shepherd, Towson, MD

The desert provides many opportunities to encounter God in simple and profound ways. The vast starkness and beauty of the landscape encourage pilgrims to empty themselves and invite God to meet them in the natural elements of wind, sun, sky, and land. Join us on a journey into the sacred world of Native Americans, from their ancient roots through the influence of Christianity on their modern beliefs.

Guide: The Rev. Scott Slater, Rector, Church of the Good Shepherd
Coordinator: Karen Gilliss, Board member, Well for the Journey

Cost: $1445 (does not include airfare)

Pilgrimage price includes: Pilgrimage guides, accommodations for 8 nights, (double occupancy; additional fee for single), most meals (alcoholic beverages not included), all land transportation in and around the area, including transportation from Albuquerque airport at designated times; entrance fees to sites and museums, all resource materials before and during the pilgrimage; guided reflections and meditations each day, gratuities and tips.
Deposit date and amount: $500 due by April 15, 2008. Balance due June 30, 2008.
Space is limited to 18 pilgrims; register early.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cultural Identity of Native Americans. Pilgrims will arrive by no later than 3:00 PM into the Albuquerque airport. We will visit the Pueblo Indian Museum before checking in to our hotel in Albuquerque. Overnight: Nativo Lodge/Meals:D.

Day 2: The Timeless Desert. Pilgrims will travel by van to the town of Aztec in the northwest corner of the state, driving through high desert and stopping to visit the Zia Pueblo along the way. We will spend time get acquainted, orienting ourselves , and resting up in the afternoon. Overnight: Step Back Inn/Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3: The Fifth World. Pilgrims will tour Aztec Ruins National Monument, visiting a reconstructed ceremonial Kiva and including time for spiritual reflection. After lunch we will explore Shiprock, a sacred Najavo landmark and the surrounding area, learning about Navajo spirituality along the way. Overnight: Step Back Inn/Meals: B, L

Day 4: The Spirit of Isolation. Pilgrims will travel to Chaco Culture National Park to learn about the Anasazi culture and experience one of the most isolated areas of our country. Overnight: Step Back Inn/Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5: Honoring the Land. Pilgrims will travel to Santa Fe passing through the San Pedro Mountains on the way and stopping at Bandelier National Monument. We will enjoy free time in Santa Fe in the afternoon. Overnight: Ghost Ranch/Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: Sabbath in Santa Fe. Pilgrims worship on their own in the morning. We will tour local sites in the afternoon. Overnight: Ghost Ranch/Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: Modern Miracles and Pilgrims. In the morning, pilgrims will visit the Rio Grande River gorge and tour El Santuario de Chamayo, a popular pilgrim site associated with miraculous healings. Afternoon back in Santa Fe visiting local religious sites. Overnight: Ghost Ranch/Meals: B, L.

Day 8: Artistic Visions. Morning time will be in Santa Fe visiting the many Canyon Road art galleries and engaging in a creative reflection exercise. After lunch we will tour the Taos Pueblo and participate in San Geromino Day, the pueblo's patronal festival. Overnight: Ghost Ranch/Meals: B, L, D.

Day 9: Journeying Home. . Pilgrims will pack up and travel an hour to the Albuquerque airport to catch their flights home.