Pilgrimage: San Francisco

Fri., Oct. 11-Tues., Oct. 15, 2024

The Program

Pilgrimage: San Francisco is a fall break pilgrimage to the San Francisco Bay Area that invites pilgrims to discover an expansive spirituality through meditation, silence, and the beautiful landscapes of both the Point Reyes Peninsula and the city of San Francisco. On this five-day, four-night pilgrimage, participants will immerse themselves in the spirituality of the land and in questions of ecological sustainability, while also exploring the Buddhist practice of meditation and the spiritual discipline of intentional silence.

This pilgrimage includes a six-week small group study that considers the intersection of spirituality, sustainability, and the natural world. We will rely upon meditation, silence, and journaling as our primary modes of reflection and glean wisdom from several world religions. We will also consider what it means to live lives of meaning and spiritual wellness as we explore the rugged and urban ecosystems of the Bay Area. 

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 welcomed 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. 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 Kevin Heffernan, Buddhist Campus Minister.