Pilgrimage: Northern Ireland

Fri., March 6-Sat., March 14, 2026

The Program

Pilgrimage: Northern Ireland is a spring break pilgrimage that will explore the story of conflict and reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. Students will take a half-unit course in spring 2026 that will focus on the period from approximately 1969 to 1998, commonly called “The Troubles.”  Pilgrims will learn about the history of the area, the key issues that led to the conflict, and the vital role of peace-makers in bringing about a resolution. The experience will be shaped by the history, theology, and spirituality of the Catholic and Protestant traditions. We will explore the role of faith as a source of conflict and peace-making, giving particular attention to the Christian practices of prayer, forgiveness, and reconciliation. 

During spring break, we will travel to Northern Ireland to visit relevant sites and learn from leaders and faith organizations advancing peace and reconciliation in the region. The pilgrimage will draw on the rich Protestant and Catholic spirituality that has shaped the region of Northern Ireland for centuries as a means of introducing students to the Christian practices of forgiveness, redemption, conflict resolution, and peace-making. The goal is that each pilgrim will emerge from the experience with a greater knowledge of the region, a richer spiritual life, and a deeper commitment to being peace-makers wherever their lives may lead. 

Requirements

The program is open to full-time, continuing undergraduate students. Each participant is expected to fully commit intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually to the experience and to offer an open and generous heart to their teammates and all those met on the journey. 

Team selection will occur through an application and interview process that will be conducted in October and November. Applicants selected for the pilgrimage team will be required to enroll and participate in a half-unit course that meets weekly throughout the spring semester. The course will be a means to explore the religious, historical, and cultural context of The Troubles and to build friendships within the team. The spring 2026 class will be held from 10:30-11:45 a.m. every Friday. Applicants for Pilgrimage: Northern Ireland are encouraged to reserve this time in their spring semester course schedules.

Expenses

The Chaplaincy covers all costs except passport and visa application fees and approximately one meal per day during the pilgrimage. 

Leaders

The pilgrimage is co-led by Tom Mullen, catholic chaplain and senior teaching faculty of journalism, and Bryn Taylor, associate ahaplain.