Walking towards enchantment: A pilgrim’s way 2025

I am so pleased to be able to share that A Pilgrim’s Way returns to the Sorrento centre this fall. On hiatus since 2022 (and in the words of The Blues Brothers) “we’re getting the band back together.” The content below mirrors that found on the Sorrento Centre website here. I hope both newcomers and previous participants will consider joining us in September. Registration is through the Centre website only. Registration will be limited to 20 persons on a first come, first served basis.

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Each step in the pilgrim’s journey is a step closer to the divine. Join us in September for four days of walking with intention, hosted by the Ecological and Social Justice Working Group of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC / Yukon and Sorrento Centre. Our world is increasingly disenchanted. Powerful economic, social, and political forces seek to divide us from one another, alienate us from Mother Nature, and separate us from the divine love that is God.

Each day we will walk the trails of the South Shuswap, share meals, worship in words and in silence, and practice contemplation on the trails and in gatherings even as we seek to deepen our loving relationships with our fellow humans, our siblings in the natural world, and God. In a word, we will seek enchantment… that state of wonder, awe, surprise, and joy that is at the heart of our lives of faith.

Pilgrimage leaders Alecia Greenfield, Ken Gray, and Michael Shapcott, along with Indigenous leaders and others, will offer a daily invitation to go deeper into the pilgrim’s journey, that covenantal relationship between humans, all creation, and the divine to which God calls us. Contemplation and enchantment are not withdrawal from a troubled world, but a starting point to re-engage with love, justice, and peace in the issues of our lives and our times. Prepare to be enchanted.

Our schedule: We gather on Sunday evening, September 21st, and depart on Thursday, September 25th, after breakfast. Resource, study, and worship materials will be provided. Each day will include meals, gatherings for reflection, time on the trail, rest and relaxation, and quiet time.

Everyone welcome: The daily hikes will be on trails through hills and valleys. The paths are easy to moderate but not suited for those using mobility devices or diverse in their ability. Those not comfortable with gentle hiking may wander through the 24-acre main campus of Sorrento Centre, including the waterfront. Please add a note when you are registering if you will opt out of the hikes.

Items to bring: Comfortable and study footwear, comfortable clothing including rain gear, hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, backpack, water bottle, a journal and pen. If you like: a camera, a book or two for quiet time, a musical instrument. Plus an open and inquiring spirit.