The Way of St. James: A Pilgrimage of Faith and History

For centuries, pilgrims have traced the route of Saint James (the Camino de Santiago) to arrive at the tomb of the great apostle. Apart from Rome and Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela was the most important pilgrimage destination for Europeans. For pilgrims, the journey is always primarily inward. As we leave the familiar, we explore new terrain in ourselves. The journey invites us to face our fears, to become more comfortable with solitude, and to encounter the sacred in ourselves, in our fellow pilgrims, and in those that offer hospitality en route. Each year the feast of St. James (July 25th) falls on a Sunday, it is declared a Holy Year and special events are planned in Santiago de Compostela. Beginning December 31, 2009 and ending December 31, 2010, this special Holy Year will be a great opportunity to combine a pilgrimage to Santiago with historical cities and pilgrimage sites in Spain, France and Portugal.

Program Objectives

Deepen knowledge about historical pilgrimage sites

Illume brings pilgrims to historical shrines at Lourdes, Loyola, Montserrat, Zaragoza, Santo Toribio, Burgos, Leon and Fatima. Visits include opportunities for prayer, devotion and guided presentations of the history of these inspirational and transformational shrines.

Nurture faith and spirituality

Illume collaborates with group leaders to design pilgrimage programs that combine participation in public activities with opportunities for private group prayer/worship and individual time for reflection. Pilgrimages are thoughtfully crafted. The pace and quality of activities fosters reflection, spiritual renewal, community and new perspectives about local history, culture, beliefs and practices.

Broaden perspectives

For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have converged at historical venues to celebrate a common faith, bringing with them local customs and perspectives which they shared with one another. Travel to places of great historical and religious significance broadens perspectives about other lands, peoples, and traditions and inspires us to lead more compassionate ways of life in an increasingly interdependent world.

Venues

Lourdes-Santiago-Fatima
Experience the physical and spiritual healing of Lourdes, the historical city and basilica at Santiago de Compostela and the inspiring message of the Virgin Mary to the three children at Fatima. Explore historical sites enroute - including Burgos, Leon, Monasterio de Toribio (where a large relic of the cross is preserved), Bom Jesus do Monte and Lisbon.

Ignatian Heritage Sites
San Ignacio de Loyola launched one of the most influential religious orders in the Roman Catholic Church after a deeply moving spiritual experience at Montserrat and Manresa. Visit sites associated with him in Loyola, Javier (St. Francis), Manresa and Montserrat before or after making a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Three Faiths in Spain
The rise in popularity for Santiago de Compostela originally arose in the context of the Catholic reconquest of Spain; St. James became the patron saint of those seeking to reinforce the Catholic faith in Spain. Visit Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla and Girona where the faith heritage of Jews, Muslims and Christians are preserved. Explore the history of how these traditions have interacted in Spain - in some instances positively; in others, with more conflict.

The Way of St. James
Incorporate short walks along the actual Camino de Santiago or visit the historical villages that offered hospitality to pilgrims over the centuries.