Pilgrimage: San Francisco

Fri., Oct. 10-Tues., Oct. 14, 2025

The Program

Pilgrimage: San Francisco is a fall break pilgrimage to the San Francisco Bay Area that invites pilgrims to explore spirituality through meditation, connection with community, and the beautiful settings of both the Point Reyes Peninsula and the city of San Francisco. On this five-day, four-night pilgrimage, participants will immerse themselves in themes of community resilience, hospitality, and the role of spirituality in creating a more equitable world for all.

This pilgrimage includes a four-week small group study that considers the intersection of religion and spiritualty, social change and faith and spirituality-based justice work. We will rely upon meditation, silence, and journaling as our primary modes of reflection and glean wisdom from several religious and spiritual traditions. We will also consider what it means to live lives of meaning and spiritual wellness as we explore both urban and rural Bay Area communities. 

Requirements

The program is open to full-time, continuing undergraduate students. Those who identify as spiritual but not religious, spiritual seekers and students from all faith or no faith backgrounds are welcome to apply. 

Students selected for Pilgrimage: San Francisco will be required to attend all group meetings. Post-trip activities will help students integrate the experience and apply lessons learned to life at the University of Richmond and beyond.

Expenses

The Office of the Chaplaincy will cover all expenses related to the program except for meals in the airport as well as a few additional meals during our time in San Francisco. Students will be expected to contribute the gift of their time, attention, and commitment to the program as well as any money needed for gifts and other personal items.

Logistics

The pilgrimage team will travel by air to San Francisco. We will then travel to the Point Reyes Peninsula where we will stay at St. Columba's Inverness, a retreat center nestled in the forested hills overlooking Tomales Bay. Meals will be on-site at the retreat center or in San Francisco during our time in the city. 

Leaders

The pilgrimage will be co-led by Jamie Lynn Haskins, Chaplain for Spiritual Life & Communications Director, and Olivia Rosenblum, Multifaith Program Manager.