The Transforming Power of Pilgrimage
The spiritual practice of pilgrimage traces to the beginning of our tradition, as early Christians sought to encounter the Risen Christ by walking in the footsteps of Jesus in Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Land. Over the centuries, the transforming power of pilgrimage was discovered in paths and destinations around the Christian world, including the Camino in Spain, Canterbury, Iona, and Taizé. Pilgrims journeyed along these sacred ways and visited these and other holy places as a way of deepening their faith and inspiring their lives. Pilgrimages can be local, regional, across North America, and international: from the San Luis Valley in Colorado, to a border pilgrimage to Mexico, to a compelling journey to the Holy Land.
Over the past 5 years, over 250 adult and youth pilgrims from 44 congregations from across Colorado have been drawn to pilgrimages near and far and discovered that by making pilgrimage, individuals and communities experience their faith and find inspiration in ways they never imagined!
Explore this page to learn about pilgrimage offerings from around the Episcopal Church in Colorado. The Formation Team (the Rev. Canon Greg Foraker, Tracy Methe, Elizabeth Cervasio, and Janet Choyce) is available to answer questions and to help you imagine and plan your next pilgrimage!
Opportunities for Virtual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
March 14-16, 2025
Retreat at Cathedral Ridge
Join a virtual pilgrimage of the Holy Land, March 14–16, led by Canon Iyad Qumri from Jerusalem. Experience a video welcome from Archbishop Hosam Naoum, a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, and significant sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity. Reflect, meditate, and pray, including walking the Via Dolorosa and praying the Stations of the Cross. Participants will enjoy the serene beauty of Cathedral Ridge’s 160-acre retreat center, nestled north of Pikes Peak with comfortable accommodations, great food, and inspiring views. The retreat begins Friday at 4:00 PM and concludes after Sunday lunch. Cost: $395 (single room) or $275 (double occupancy). Financial assistance available by reaching out to Formation@EpiscopalColorado.org.
Mini Virtual Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Thursday, March 13, 6:00-8:00 pm. Enhance your Lenten experience this year by attending a Mini Virtual Pilgrimage to Jerusalem led by Canon Iyad Qumri. Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee and a slice of knafeh while you visit Jerusalem with sojourners on the way. The pilgrimage includes a video message from Archbishop Hosam Naoum, followed by a tour of the Cathedral Close, the Gates of the Old City, a walk along the Cardo leading to the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Along the way we will pray, meditate, and savor the sights and sounds of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Our experience will conclude by “walking” the Via Dolorosa and praying the Stations of the Cross. Event location: Office of the Bishop, 1300 N. Washington St., Denver. Cost $25, with financial assistance available by reaching out to Formation@EpiscopalColorado.org.
Truth & Repair Pilgrimage: A Journey to Sand Creek
Join us on May 23-24, 2025, for a powerful pilgrimage to the Sand Creek Massacre Site in Colorado, a place of profound historical and spiritual significance. Together, we will engage in deep learning, reflection, and truth-telling about the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery on Indigenous communities, past and present.
The journey begins Friday afternoon with Sarah Augustine and Joe Hubbard, who will guide participants through the ways federal and church policies shaped the forced removal of Indigenous children and lands. The evening will include a Talking Circle with Indigenous elders at the Lamar Holiday Inn Express.
On Saturday, we will gather at the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, where Marrton Dormish will lead a pilgrimage through the site. Park rangers will share historical accounts of the massacre, and Indigenous leaders will speak on its continuing impact. The pilgrimage will conclude with a Talking Circle and sending ceremony, offering space for reflection and communal healing.
This experience is a collaboration between the Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable, Indigenous Allies, Every Day Epics, and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery.
📅 Orientation: April 24, 2025, 4-5:30 pm (virtual)
📍 Location: Lamar, CO & Sand Creek Massacre Site
💰 Cost: $675 (all-inclusive)
📝 Register by March 31
Step into this sacred journey of truth, repair, and reconciliation. Join us in remembering, learning, and honoring.
Following the Footsteps of Paul: Greece & Turkey
October 21 – November 4, 2025
Join us October 2025 for a faith-deepening pilgrimage to encounter the sacred places where our Christian faith took root in the ancient world. Guided by Mark Retherford, Dr. Gordon Tucker, and Canon Greg Foraker, and accompanied by Bishop Kym Lucas, we will follow the footsteps of Paul in Greece and Turkey. On our pilgrim way, we will immerse ourselves in the historical and spiritual meaning of these places and events, and we will embrace the ancient alongside the modern as we make our way through the diverse cultures of Turkey and Greece. Throughout our journey there will be time for personal reflection and prayer, worship, fellowship, and discussion. For more information, contact Canon Greg Foraker.
Following the Footsteps of Paul: Greece & Turkey Brochure & Print Registration Form >
Watch Recording of Pilgrimage Information Session Held on November 18 >