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!
Walking the Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrimage from France to Spain
Camino Frances Route
May 15-June 1, 2025
Join the Rev. Jan Head & the Rev. Canon Greg Foraker for a pilgrimage over the Pyrenees along the French Way. The Camino Francés de Santiago begins in St. Jean de Port, France and continues some 500 miles to Santiago. This same path has been taken for over 1300 years by the faithful making their holy pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. This path was also used by Roman, Moor, and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar, and the armies of Charlemagne and Napoleon. This journey is not only steeped in spiritual significance as you travel to the place believed to be the burial site of St. James, but it also has much historical and cultural significance. Pilgrims from across the Episcopal Church in Colorado have made Camino pilgrimages for years and this year we have created a “Best of the French Way” to offer a pilgrimage including more memorable experiences, more walking and more inspiration!
Sponsored by Snowmass Chapel and St. Peter’s of the Valley Episcopal Church, Basalt
Pilgrimage Guides: the Rev. Canon Greg Foraker and the Rev. Jan Head
Cost: $5290 (land only), $6690 (with airfare from Denver)
Package Includes:
- All overnight accommodations (dbl occupancy)
- All ground transportation
- Twelve-day walking pilgrimage
- Pilgrim passports/credentials
- Spiritual guidance, regular worship, and faith-deeping experiences along the way
- Pilgrimage preparation
- Pre-pilgrimage retreat at Cathedral Ridge, Woodland Park, CO, with fellow pilgrims