Why do they do it? What is the lure of walking or cycling thousands of kilometres, braving rain, snow, wind and burning heat? Why is modern pilgrimage so addictive?
These are some of the questions you can put to a panel of seasoned pilgrims in Dover on Saturday 24 September. The Practical Pilgrim workshops at St Mary’s Centre will feature an experienced team whose ages range from early 20s to late 70s who will share their experience with you.
David Matthews will tell you how he walked to Rome on the proverbial shoestring budget, and what kit you need with you to do so. Sara Morano will talk about safety for the solo woman walker. Paulo Seth, who has cycled to Santiago many times – and to Rome – has more experience than most in these matters. Mary Kirk – who has five Caminos, the Via Francigena and the Magna Via Francigena under her pilgrim’s belt – will discuss the additional challenges of post-Brexit travel, and will also have a word to say about dogs on pilgrimage. And Carlo Laurenzi OBE, chair of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, will give the audience a taste of the major European cultural route which is the Via Francigena.
Come and join the Confraternity team – there are still tickets available at only £10, and tap into the vast reservoir of pilgrim knowledge that their experience provides. Click on the picture below to book your place.