|
| |
PILGRIMAGE TO SOUTH AFRICA
March 19 to April 1, 2010!
WHAT IS A PILGRIMAGE?
We are all on a journey! We travel with God, even if we never leave home, but
when we are intentional about a day by day relationship with our Creator, we
discover the sacredness of our walk; we are on pilgrimage. As pilgrims travel,
they discover places of Holy encounter, sites made sacred by those who have gone
before and places in their own memories. The psalmist speaks of the blessedness
of those “whose hearts are set on pilgrimage”. (Psalm 84:4 BCP) A
pilgrimage is not a tour! The intention is not to collect more
“stuff” but to prayerfully experience places and people in community with other
travelers.
|
 |
Pilgrims pause on their journey at the most westerly point of the
Cape . |
|
Lions are well camouflaged by the long grass that covers much of the veldt but this lioness came close enough to be photographed. |
 |
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?
Pilgrims will be met at Port Elizabeth airport and transported in private
vehicles. We do not include flights in the cost of the pilgrimage since many
people use Frequent Flier miles, and/or plan to stay before or after the
pilgrimage. If you are able to come at least a day early and stay in a
hotel near the airport you will be far more rested when we begin our journey.
There is a direct flight to Johannesburg from Atlanta on Delta airlines and air
travel within South Africa is relatively inexpensive e.g. Johannesburg to Port
Elizabeth is approximately $100 and less if you book early and use one of the
“no frills” airlines such as Kalula. Call Hospites Mundi for more details.
(828) 664-0381
|
 |
South Africa's national flower grows abundantly in the
Cape Province . |
|
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. |
 |
WHO WILL LEAD THE PILGRIMAGE?
The Rev. Elizabeth Canham, an Episcopal priest, author,
and conference speaker has been leading pilgrimages for over 30 years. She lived
in S. Africa from 1972/3 (during the Apartheid era) and returned in 2003, 2004
2005, 2007, and 2008. 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 also 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.
WHERE WILL WE STAY?
We
will stay in retreat centers, a B and B, an Episcopal Benedictine monastery, and
in private homes. Our journey will begin and end in Port Elizabeth and will
include time in Grahamstown, Jeffrey’s Bay, Knysna, Oudshoorn, Cape Town and
Port Elizabeth. Visits to Game Parks, medical centers and to Townships where we
experience hands on care for poor children will be included. A detailed
itinerary will be sent to all who register.
|
 |
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. |
|
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. |
 |
|
 |
The 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. |
|
The Guest house at Hillendale Retreat center. The grounds are beautiful year-round and are a perfect setting for bird-watching. |
 |
|
 |
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. |
|
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. |
 |
|
 |
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. |
|
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. |
|
WHAT IS HOSPITES MUNDI?
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 15 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!
|
 |
Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. From this rugged
coastline whales may be seen and nearby penguins occupy holes in the sandy
beaches and brush. |
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. Full cost of the pilgrimage is $2875. The balance is due January
15th 2010. Once the pilgrimage is full, we will create a waiting list. We
strongly recommend Travel Insurance to cover cost of the pilgrimage and travel
should you need to cancel or become sick. For cancellations received before
January 15 2010 (when the balance of pilgrimage cost is due) a full refund will
be returned less $50 administrative fee. Following registration pilgrims receive
a folder with additional information, reading list, etc. and this is updated as
more details become available. For further information call (828) 664-0381.
Registration Form
|
