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PILGRIMAGE TO SOUTH AFRICA
October 17-30, 2008
WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE?
From earliest times people from many religious traditions have set out on pilgrimage, often not knowing where their journey would take them. In the Hebrew Scriptures Sarah and Abraham left the comfort of Ur, in present day Baghdad, and followed an ancient trade route along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. An inner prompting led them to undertake a journey of trust and hope in God. Early Christians journeyed into the desert with the desire to listen in solitude to God’s Word and Celtic pilgrims traveled great distances, often in fragile coracles, trusting in the Creator or earth, air, sky and ocean to protect and guide them. Medieval Christians made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Rome and the tradition of pilgrim journeys continues to this day.
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Pilgrims pause on their journey at the most westerly point of the
Cape . |
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Lions are well camouflaged by the long grass that covers much of the veldt but this lioness came close enough to be photographed. |
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WHY SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa celebrated 10 years of freedom from the oppression of Apartheid in April 2004. The miracle of change came about because people like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu believed that God can change hearts. Revenge and bloodshed are never the answer to differences. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission continues the work of mending broken lives and relationships in South Africa. Pain is still a present reality but Hope is alive and well in this beautiful country. There is also a strong movement in South Africa to be ecologically responsible by replenishing the earth and reclaiming the indigenous flora and fauna.
HOW WILL WE TRAVEL?
Transfers to and from the airport in Port Elizabeth will be in private vehicles. Flights are not included in the cost to enable pilgrims to add on personal time before or after the pilgrimage and/or use frequent flier miles. Advice about airline options and meeting times will be sent out to following registration.
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South Africa 's national flower grows abundantly in the
Cape Province . |
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In many parts of
Africa the elephant population has been decimated by illegal hunting. Conservationists are establishing parks where these gentle giants can breed and sustain their family groups. |
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WHO WILL LEAD THE PILGRIMAGE?
The Rev. Elizabeth Canham, an Episcopal priest, author, and conference speaker has been leading pilgrimages for almost 30 years. She lived in S. Africa from 1972/3 (during the Apartheid era) and returned in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007. During recent visits she has met many people who are actively engaged in work with the poor, job creation, environmental issues, health care and support for adults and children suffering from HIV/AIDS. We will meet some of these care givers and enjoy the beauty of The Cape. This reflective pilgrimage will focus on eco-spirituality in the region and will offer the opportunity of worshipping with local people as well as times of quiet reflection in small groups and alone. The Rev. Anthony Sutton, Assistant to the Bishop and Methodist pastor in the Jeffrey's Bay area will be our guide in the Eastern Cape.
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Brother Timothy OHC (on right) with a regular visitor to the monastery, the Rev. Anthony Sutton, a Methodist pastor in Jeffrey's Bay. The brothers welcome guests of all denominations to join them for rest and renewal as well as for worship in the chapel. |
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All of these women have AIDS and have joined together in a support group. The women have made a pledge, when one dies, to raise each other's children. The husbands do not generally take responsibility for their offspring and will often choose another woman when a wife dies. The cycle of poverty and infection continues to be spread in this way. |
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Rev. Jerry Haas of Upper Room Ministries at the entrance to Robben Island . Today a former prisoner is one of the guides who can tell first hand - but without bitterness - of the oppression and torture suffered by many in this notorious prison. Jerry co-led a pilgrimage to South Africa and Mozambique with Liz Canham in 2003. |
WHERE WILL WE STAY?
Pilgrims will stay in private homes, Game Park lodges and the guesthouse in Grahamstown. For the first part of the pilgrimage we will be accommodated in private homes and we will meet daily at the Jeffrey's Bay Methodist Church. The Rev. Anthony Sutton and members of his congregation will introduce us to AIDS workers, medical personnel and caregivers. We will also spend time with the AIDS orphans who come each day for food to the Hankey Church. A two night visit to the Tsitsikama National Park will offer opportunities for observing bird life by the ocean and other species in the forest. For the last five days we will stay at Mariya uMama weThemba Monatery, a House of the Order of the Holy Cross an Episcopal Benedictine community. The brothers work with poor farm families and raise many or their own vegetables. They offer simple fare, and daily worship overlooking a beautiful valley. This will be a gentle place in which to experience Benedictine hospitality, rest, walk the trails and visit Addo Elephant and Game Reserve.
Arrival and departure: The group will meet in Port Elizabeth on 17th October and depart on 30th. For recommendations about flights and possible "add on" itineraries please contact Liz Canham.
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The Guest house at Hillendale Retreat center. The grounds are beautiful year-round and are a perfect setting for bird-watching. |
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Monks and guests gather after a service in the monastery chapel (in the background). Sunday Eucharist is a lively service in several languages with musical accompaniment on drums, tambourines, rattles and other home made instruments. |
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Most children in
South Africa love to be photographed. This trio lives in a township and their home is built with corrugated iron, and packing cases with disused motor tires on the roof to provide weight to the fragile fabric. Their lives are very simple but joy shines in their faces. |
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WHAT WILL IT COST?
The cost will be $2575 for double occupancy. At the monastery all rooms are single, but we will be sharing accommodations in the lodges and, sometimes, in private homes. An appropriate surcharge will be added if you request only a single room and will depend on availability.
Registrations received after May 1st 2008 please add $150.
EARLY REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED SINCE WE LIMIT THE SIZE OF OUR PILGRIMAGES TOO A MAXIMUM OF 20 PARTICIPANTS!
Call Hospites Mundi for further help and suggestions about travel: Telephone - (828) 664-0381
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View from one of the trails overlooking the valley at the monastery. A rustic stations of the cross trail leads guests to the top of the hill with many resting places along the way. |
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Homes by the Hankey Methodist Church where daily meals are provided for poor children. The community also receives clothing which is distributed to children in need. |
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WHAT IS HOSPITES MUNDI?
Hospites Mundi means “guests of the world.” Our mission is to provide experiences which enhance the awareness that we are God’s honored guests who walk on sacred ground, because all ground is holy. We travel with open hearts and minds. Encounters with the Holy One occur as we experience beauty in landscape, creatures, and in one another. Encounter also takes place where poverty and pain diminish life for many of our sisters and brothers and where the planet mourns our abuse of its resources. We travel as healers, lovers of earth and spiritual beings with gifts to offer and graces to receive.
Hospites Mundi (guests of the world) offers an ecumenical pilgrimage ministry to many places and we travel mindful of our responsibility to care for the world and all its people. Pilgrimage groups are limited to a maximum of 20 persons. Remember, this is not a tour! You will not be rushed on and off multiple busses and wait in long lines at the next hotel check-in!
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Children of South Africa love to be photographed. Since the end of Apartheid schools are not segregated but poverty keeps many black children from education because they are required to wear uniforms and to pay for school. |
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To reserve a space please complete the reservation form below and include a $250 check made out to Hospites Mundi. We regret that we are unable to accept credit card payments. Once the pilgrimage is full, we will create a waiting list. Full details and itinerary will be sent to all who register. For further information call (828) 664-0381.
Registration Form 
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