The FAQs immediately below are intended to help with your Pilgrimages-In-Place.
The three-day FAQs further below can be informative of any Pilgrimage.
The three-day FAQs further below can be informative of any Pilgrimage.
Adapted from "Tips for a Successful Pilgrimage in Place", by James Winter in 2021
What are key attributes for a successful Pilgrimage?
The Thesis, “A Study of Pilgrimage Systems: What Constitutes Powerful Ecumenical Pilgrimage?” by Michael Pitchford cites the following key attributes possessed by successful Pilgrimages:
Will songs and music be provided?
Music specific to each Pilgrimage are prayerfully discerned and posted on this website. Music is an essential aid for the journey. Use some of your own favorite hymns or worship music. Add your own from playlists of Spotify and others from song books that are easily learned, for example ‘Espiritu Santo Ven Ven’ and ‘Espiritu Divino’.
Should I read specific scripture?
Scripture will be selected and incorporated by the planning team. Plan to use our devotional videos and recordings, and incorporate your own references and meditations from the selected scripture(s). on Acts 2, the story of Pentecost.
How often should I pray during my walks?
Prayer is at the heart of Pilgrimage. Prayer intentions will be provided by fellow pilgrims than you can pray during your journey. Of course, there are your own prayer intentions that you carry in your heart. Submit your intentions for your fellow pilgrims to pray. You can take part in the communal prayer opportunities provided or other prayers you are called to pray.
What will focus my Pilgrimage?
Rituals set the rhythm and cadence of Pilgrimage. Aside from virtual gatherings we are left to fill in the blanks with rituals that indicate we are on Pilgrimage. This would be very apparent for an in-person Pilgrimage, so, we are left to plan our own rituals “as the Spirit sends.” To establish a sense of journey take part in the Opening Gathering and implement rituals for the Pilgrimage. Begin the day with reflecting on the Theme, and with an open heart update yourself on how the Christian community observes the occasion. Walk beginning in silence, then praying the intentions, and ending with Hymns. Carry intentions whether you are walking or not. Visit a sacred place and reflect on the Theme, your fellow Pilgrims, and intentions that you carry.
How can I build up community?
Communal meals is a challenge for a Pilgrimage in Place. Be creative. Light a candle at meals as a reminder that you are on a Unity Pilgrimage. I will listen to the Ukrainian music (on website) before or after each meal.
What can I use to symbolize my Pilgrimage?
A shell, a dove, or a cross are rich in symbolism for Pilgrimage, the Holy Spirit, and Christianity. What might be a lasting symbol of your journey this week? Perhaps something will emerge as you contemplate the theme and prayer intentions during your journey or even before you begin. Be open to finding a symbol for this unique Pilgrimage in Place.
How can I organize my days?
Create a schedule of your activities and events, from your morning prayers and songs, to any virtual gatherings of all participants. Write it on your wall calendar or in your hand-held smart device.
IMPORTANT: Safety. Safety. Safety. Be mindful of your safety as you walk. Let someone know where you are going if you plan on walking alone. Longs walks will require fluids, snacks and, at least, a first-aid kit.
The Thesis, “A Study of Pilgrimage Systems: What Constitutes Powerful Ecumenical Pilgrimage?” by Michael Pitchford cites the following key attributes possessed by successful Pilgrimages:
- scope and theme
- committee structure
- hymns
- scripture readings
- prayers
- rituals
- spiritual direction
- silent reflection
- communal meals
- symbolism
Will songs and music be provided?
Music specific to each Pilgrimage are prayerfully discerned and posted on this website. Music is an essential aid for the journey. Use some of your own favorite hymns or worship music. Add your own from playlists of Spotify and others from song books that are easily learned, for example ‘Espiritu Santo Ven Ven’ and ‘Espiritu Divino’.
Should I read specific scripture?
Scripture will be selected and incorporated by the planning team. Plan to use our devotional videos and recordings, and incorporate your own references and meditations from the selected scripture(s). on Acts 2, the story of Pentecost.
How often should I pray during my walks?
Prayer is at the heart of Pilgrimage. Prayer intentions will be provided by fellow pilgrims than you can pray during your journey. Of course, there are your own prayer intentions that you carry in your heart. Submit your intentions for your fellow pilgrims to pray. You can take part in the communal prayer opportunities provided or other prayers you are called to pray.
What will focus my Pilgrimage?
Rituals set the rhythm and cadence of Pilgrimage. Aside from virtual gatherings we are left to fill in the blanks with rituals that indicate we are on Pilgrimage. This would be very apparent for an in-person Pilgrimage, so, we are left to plan our own rituals “as the Spirit sends.” To establish a sense of journey take part in the Opening Gathering and implement rituals for the Pilgrimage. Begin the day with reflecting on the Theme, and with an open heart update yourself on how the Christian community observes the occasion. Walk beginning in silence, then praying the intentions, and ending with Hymns. Carry intentions whether you are walking or not. Visit a sacred place and reflect on the Theme, your fellow Pilgrims, and intentions that you carry.
How can I build up community?
Communal meals is a challenge for a Pilgrimage in Place. Be creative. Light a candle at meals as a reminder that you are on a Unity Pilgrimage. I will listen to the Ukrainian music (on website) before or after each meal.
What can I use to symbolize my Pilgrimage?
A shell, a dove, or a cross are rich in symbolism for Pilgrimage, the Holy Spirit, and Christianity. What might be a lasting symbol of your journey this week? Perhaps something will emerge as you contemplate the theme and prayer intentions during your journey or even before you begin. Be open to finding a symbol for this unique Pilgrimage in Place.
How can I organize my days?
Create a schedule of your activities and events, from your morning prayers and songs, to any virtual gatherings of all participants. Write it on your wall calendar or in your hand-held smart device.
IMPORTANT: Safety. Safety. Safety. Be mindful of your safety as you walk. Let someone know where you are going if you plan on walking alone. Longs walks will require fluids, snacks and, at least, a first-aid kit.
The FAQs below are intended for the 3-day, in-person, NM Pilgrimage For Unity, suspended by the COVID pandemic. Much can be adapted and interpreted for your Pilgrimage-In-Place.
As of October, 2022, a three-day 2023 NM Pilgrimage For Unity is under consideration by the Steering Team.
FAQ's
Pilgrimage is a holy process of stepping out into the unknown. Questions are an integral part of pilgrimage. In truth, many of our most important spiritual questions have no easy answers. Nevertheless, we can attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked practical questions from potential NM PIlgrimage for Unity pilgrims and support team volunteers, below.
Mike Pitchford sets out three essentials for pilgrims:
- Gratitude: the capacity to recognize God in all things. Gratitude is the pilgrim’s response to whatever happens (pain or pleasure, violence or peace, love or hate, trust or distrust). By setting aside or subordinating reactive emotions, the pilgrim enters more deeply into gratitude.
- Openness: a sense of compassion toward others. This openness includes an active desire to understand others and a caring observation of the context in which the pilgrimage takes place.
- Self-abandonment: a desire to release the need for security in order to make space for transformation. A pilgrim will continually consider: what do I leave behind in order to seek God’s blessing of pilgrimage?
What is the purpose of the New Mexico Pilgrimage for Unity?
The NM Pilgrimage for Unity seeks to heal and build up the Body of Christ by providing an opportunity for profound, shared spiritual experience and dialogue.
Who will be my companions on the Pilgrimage?
Your companions on the journey will include both walking pilgrims and support team volunteers. Some will be older, some will be younger. In general, we have 24 walking pilgrims and 6 support team members. In previous years we have included a fairly equal number of Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical Christian participants. We have also included a small number of Quaker and Unitarian participants who do not necessarily identify as Christian.
Is this a religious pilgrimage?
The NM PIlgrimage for Unity as an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage. We believe that the Spirit of God seeks the healing, restoration, and reconciliation of all people and all of Creation. The NM PIlgrimage for Unity is just one small part of this larger divine vision and mission. We see the pilgrimage as one small step (well, actually, a series of small steps) in this direction of healing, restoration, and reconciliation that is unfolding in one particular geographic location--Northern New Mexico--among one particular community of people--those who identify themselves as part of the Body of Christ.
What if I feel called to the Pilgrimage, but don't identify as Christian?
While the NM Pilgrimage for Unity is primarily an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage, we welcome pilgrims from other faith traditions as well as spiritual seekers who feel called to be our companions on this journey. While our prayer, worship, and discussion will be primarily shaped by Christian theological traditions and language, we welcome the spiritual perspectives, wisdom, and gifts of pilgrims from other paths and traditions who feel called to share in this journey of healing and reconciliation with us.
How far will I walk?
The entire route is about 50 miles; that’s between 16-18 miles for each of the 3 days. It is important for walking pilgrims to prepare for the pilgrimage with regular walks, gradually building up to walks of 15-20 miles in one day, during the two months prior to the pilgrimage. Pilgrims travel with a van ahead and another behind for safety, but also the vans provide a break from the walking for those who may need to rest their legs.
What if I can't walk that far? How else can I participate?
Our NM Pilgrimage for Unity Community involves people who participate in the pilgrimage in a variety of ways. In addition to walking pilgrims, we have a support team of 6-8 individuals for each pilgrimage who assist pilgrims by driving vans, providing snacks and rest stops, etc. We have a steering team that works together throughout the year to attend to the various administrative, logistical, and spiritual dimensions of the pilgrimage. We have an advisory team that works together to continue to develop the vision and reach of the pilgrimage, in partnership with the New Mexico Ecumenical Institute for Ministry. You can also participate in the pilgrimage by making a financial donation, by praying with and for the Pilgrimage and pilgrims, by submitting your prayer intentions, and by joining us for our closing worship celebration at the Santuario de Chimayo at the conclusion of our pilgrimage.
Where will I sleep?
All pilgrims are housed at Ghost Ranch in dormitory type rooms with bunk beds. Linens and towels are provided; an extra blanket or sleeping bag may be needed. Toilets and showers are close by.
What type of meals are available?
Breakfast and lunch items are provided; pilgrims make their own meals. The evening meal is served in the Ghost Ranch dinning hall; a vegetarian option is always available.
What will the weather be like?
Days will likely be warm…or maybe hot. Nights will likely be cool…or maybe cold. Fierce sun is likely, but rain isn't out of the question. Northern New Mexico’s weather is unpredictable!
How can I best prepare?
Prepare your body by walking regularly in the months leading up to the pilgrimage; you should gradually increase the length of your walks, gradually building toward 15-20 miles in a day.
Prepare your soul by focusing on one intention for your pilgrimage.
Prepare your support by requesting the prayers of your family, friends and faith community.
Prepare your heart by soliciting prayer intentions and requests from others.
NOTE: All Pilgrims are required to participate in a Pilgrimage Orientation with other pilgrims (in person or via Zoom video-conference) in late August--date TBA on our Practical Resources Page.
What is the cost of the Pilgrimage?
The Actual Cost Per Pilgrim is -about- $300. In 2019 we initiated a “Pay as Led” model for participants in the Pilgrimage. We request that all participants in the pilgrimage make a donation according to their means to help cover the cost of the pilgrimage. We welcome donations in any amount from all pilgrims and their supporters to help cover pilgrimage expenses. Click here to make a donation.
How do I register?
Registration involves 3 easy steps:
The NM Pilgrimage for Unity seeks to heal and build up the Body of Christ by providing an opportunity for profound, shared spiritual experience and dialogue.
Who will be my companions on the Pilgrimage?
Your companions on the journey will include both walking pilgrims and support team volunteers. Some will be older, some will be younger. In general, we have 24 walking pilgrims and 6 support team members. In previous years we have included a fairly equal number of Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical Christian participants. We have also included a small number of Quaker and Unitarian participants who do not necessarily identify as Christian.
Is this a religious pilgrimage?
The NM PIlgrimage for Unity as an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage. We believe that the Spirit of God seeks the healing, restoration, and reconciliation of all people and all of Creation. The NM PIlgrimage for Unity is just one small part of this larger divine vision and mission. We see the pilgrimage as one small step (well, actually, a series of small steps) in this direction of healing, restoration, and reconciliation that is unfolding in one particular geographic location--Northern New Mexico--among one particular community of people--those who identify themselves as part of the Body of Christ.
What if I feel called to the Pilgrimage, but don't identify as Christian?
While the NM Pilgrimage for Unity is primarily an ecumenical Christian pilgrimage, we welcome pilgrims from other faith traditions as well as spiritual seekers who feel called to be our companions on this journey. While our prayer, worship, and discussion will be primarily shaped by Christian theological traditions and language, we welcome the spiritual perspectives, wisdom, and gifts of pilgrims from other paths and traditions who feel called to share in this journey of healing and reconciliation with us.
How far will I walk?
The entire route is about 50 miles; that’s between 16-18 miles for each of the 3 days. It is important for walking pilgrims to prepare for the pilgrimage with regular walks, gradually building up to walks of 15-20 miles in one day, during the two months prior to the pilgrimage. Pilgrims travel with a van ahead and another behind for safety, but also the vans provide a break from the walking for those who may need to rest their legs.
What if I can't walk that far? How else can I participate?
Our NM Pilgrimage for Unity Community involves people who participate in the pilgrimage in a variety of ways. In addition to walking pilgrims, we have a support team of 6-8 individuals for each pilgrimage who assist pilgrims by driving vans, providing snacks and rest stops, etc. We have a steering team that works together throughout the year to attend to the various administrative, logistical, and spiritual dimensions of the pilgrimage. We have an advisory team that works together to continue to develop the vision and reach of the pilgrimage, in partnership with the New Mexico Ecumenical Institute for Ministry. You can also participate in the pilgrimage by making a financial donation, by praying with and for the Pilgrimage and pilgrims, by submitting your prayer intentions, and by joining us for our closing worship celebration at the Santuario de Chimayo at the conclusion of our pilgrimage.
Where will I sleep?
All pilgrims are housed at Ghost Ranch in dormitory type rooms with bunk beds. Linens and towels are provided; an extra blanket or sleeping bag may be needed. Toilets and showers are close by.
What type of meals are available?
Breakfast and lunch items are provided; pilgrims make their own meals. The evening meal is served in the Ghost Ranch dinning hall; a vegetarian option is always available.
What will the weather be like?
Days will likely be warm…or maybe hot. Nights will likely be cool…or maybe cold. Fierce sun is likely, but rain isn't out of the question. Northern New Mexico’s weather is unpredictable!
How can I best prepare?
Prepare your body by walking regularly in the months leading up to the pilgrimage; you should gradually increase the length of your walks, gradually building toward 15-20 miles in a day.
Prepare your soul by focusing on one intention for your pilgrimage.
Prepare your support by requesting the prayers of your family, friends and faith community.
Prepare your heart by soliciting prayer intentions and requests from others.
NOTE: All Pilgrims are required to participate in a Pilgrimage Orientation with other pilgrims (in person or via Zoom video-conference) in late August--date TBA on our Practical Resources Page.
What is the cost of the Pilgrimage?
The Actual Cost Per Pilgrim is -about- $300. In 2019 we initiated a “Pay as Led” model for participants in the Pilgrimage. We request that all participants in the pilgrimage make a donation according to their means to help cover the cost of the pilgrimage. We welcome donations in any amount from all pilgrims and their supporters to help cover pilgrimage expenses. Click here to make a donation.
How do I register?
Registration involves 3 easy steps:
- Complete the Online Registration Form (Google Form)
- Print & Complete Waiver/Release Form
- Mail Completed Waiver/Release Form and Check (Suggested Minimum Donation $50) TBD.
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The Pilgrimage for Unity and the 3-day New Mexico Pilgrimage for Unity are committed to healing and building up the Body of Christ by providing opportunities for profound, shared spiritual experience and dialogue.
Support the Pilgrimages for Unity! Your donation helps heal and build up the Body of Christ by removing financial barriers to participation in the pilgrimage for pilgrims of limited economic means!
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Contact: info@nmpilgrimage.org
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