Wicklow Valley in Ireland
Between 1990 and 2005, Norvene and Doug led twelve pilgrimage groups from the United States to Europe, with assistance at times from Fr. Francis Benedict, Abbot Emeritus of St. Andrew’s Abbey, Valyermo, CA, and at times from Christopher McCauley and Frank Ramirez. Locations for pilgrimage have included England and Wales, Italy, Turkey and Greece. The heart of our pilgrimages has consisted in their Benedictine rhythm, setting aside regular days for small group lectio divina or devotional reading of scripture, rest and recreation, and a few lectures on relevant topics. Such days alternate with visits to sites long held sacred, where we experience with our senses the graces of the past. Generally the pilgrimages were about two weeks long (“fortnights”) and are ecumenical in nature. A keen sense of God’s grace and presence is given to those who “pray with their feet.”
