Progressive Pilgrimage

08/27/2024

We’d love for you to join us! Just send us a quick DM, and we’ll send over the invite link. Catch you later! 😊

08/26/2024

We've had a late cancellation on our sold-out St. Francis pilgrimage to Italy this October. We have room for two people sharing a room. If you were waiting for a sign to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis this fall, here's your sign!

You can view all the details and register with this link. The advertised price includes airfare from Charlotte, NC, but you can use discount code LAND to receive a land-only price and then purchase your airfare from your airport of choice.

Francis of Assisi is remembered as a peacemaker for his love of the whole creation, his ministry of service, and work for church reform. This pilgrimage will explore these themes of St. Francis' life and ministry, along with his counterpart St. Clare, and consider how we experience inward peace and....

08/24/2024

Join one of our online informational meetings later this month. We’ll cover what to expect including accommodations, distances, pre- and post-walk experiences and more. Info sessions are on August 25 at 2pm PDT and August 27 at 6pm PDT. Join our pre-registration waitlist or send us a direct message for the meeting links—Buen Camino!

Just to whet your appetite, here’s a little about what you can anticipate on our Camino pilgrimage:

1. Diverse Routes and Scenery
The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Each path offers unique landscapes, from the coastal views to the rolling hills. Our path will cover the final 100km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela - enough distance to earn your pilgrim’s certificate.
2. Physical Challenges
Walking the Camino is physically demanding. Daily distances can range from 20 to 30 kilometers, so it’s essential to prepare your body and wear proper footwear. Blisters and muscle soreness are common, but they are part of the journey. On this pilgrimage, you can opt for luggage transfer to lighten your load each day.
3. Spiritual and Personal Growth
Many pilgrims walk the Camino for spiritual reasons, seeking reflection and personal growth. The journey provides ample time for introspection and can be a transformative experience.
4. Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Camino is the sense of community. You’ll meet fellow pilgrims from around the world, sharing stories, meals, and encouragement. The greeting “Buen Camino!” is a common and uplifting phrase you’ll hear along the way.
5. Accommodation and Facilities
Our pre- and post-walk accommodations are 3-star or better hotels in central Barcelona and Madrid; During the Camino, you’ll mostly have private rooms with en-suite baths.
6. Practical Tips
Packing: Travel light. Essentials include a comfortable daypack, walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Health: Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and take care of your feet with shoes that are comfortable and broken in. If you are buying new shoes for your pilgrimage, we recommend wearing them for at least three months before we depart.
Navigation: While the routes are well-marked, carrying a guidebook or using a Camino app can be helpful. You’ll also have access to 24-7 emergency support.
7. Food and Drink
You’ll enjoy a variety of local cuisines along the way. Pilgrim menus are common, offering affordable and hearty meals. Don’t forget to try regional specialties and enjoy the local wines.

08/19/2024

Everyone comes to the Camino with their own reasons for walking. In this small-group pilgrimage, you’ll have the option to walk solo, with others, or a little bit of both. We’ll cover the last 100km from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

Interested in learning more? Join one of our online informational meetings later this month. We’ll cover what to expect including accommodations, distances, pre- and post-walk experiences, and more.

𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟓 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝐩𝐦 𝐏𝐃𝐓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟕 𝐚𝐭 𝟔𝐩𝐦 𝐏𝐃𝐓. 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬—𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭!

You can also take a look here: https://tri.ps/7rAYX

08/10/2024

Pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago for more than 1000 years, seeking to commune with the divine in the traditional burial place of James, the apostle of Jesus. Today, pilgrims still trace these routes to connect with God and their own soul. In October 2025, you can join Revs. Jon Owens and Heather Prince Doss to walk the last 100km of the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

We will be holding online informational meetings about the pilgrimage on August 25 at 2pm PDT and August 27 at 6pm PDT. Please join the pre-registration waitlist or send us a DM to receive the meeting links.

Please visit this link for more information: https://tri.ps/7rAYX

07/29/2024

The Apostle Paul entered Europe near Phillipi. A woman named Lydia and her household were the first Europeans to be baptized and follow the way of Jesus.

At the site of Lydia's baptism, just outside Philippi, pilgrims from Trinity Presbyterian Church in NJ and Charleston Atlantic Presbytery remembered and renewed their own baptismal vows.

07/20/2024

Father Pefkis and his family have been making icons for over 40 years, transforming wood, tempera paint (made with real egg yolk), and gold leaf into objects that connect humans with the divine.

Our groups from Furman University and Trinity Presbyterian had the unique opportunity to learn about the art of iconography from Father Pefkis, his wife Evangelista, their son and daughter-in-law. The dedication and skill of the artisans were truly remarkable, and we are grateful for their hospitality.

Visit pefkis.gr to learn more about their incredible work.

07/16/2024

We have a few spaces remaining on our Presbyterian Heritage and Celtic Spirituality pilgrimage this October. The journey offers an introduction to the Scottish roots of the Presbyterian Church, its contemporary expression in the Church of Scotland, and ancient and modern Celtic Christianity.

Airfare from Chicago is included in the pilgrimage price, but other cities are available. Click the link to register, or let us know if you have any questions. Registration closes August 15.

Link: https://tri.ps/1CwTN

07/10/2024

Pilgrims from Trinity Presbyterian Church in New Jersey and Charleston Atlantic Presbytery in South Carolina started their "Footsteps of Paul" pilgrimage in Thessaloniki and Philippi considering the preaching of Paul in the Greco-Roman world.

07/09/2024

What a delight to travel in Greece with Furman Alums who share a connection to the Cothran Center! These highlights come from Athens, the stunning monasteries at Meteora, and the ruins of ancient Corinth.

07/01/2024

We visited St. Giles Cathedral where John Knox preached. When the mid-day prayer service was unexpectedly cancelled, we prayed anyway.

06/27/2024

There was a little extra pomp and circumstance at Edinburgh Castle in late May because the Lord High Commissioner was present in Edinburgh for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

06/25/2024

The passage tombs at Knowth never cease to amaze travelers, even in the rain!

06/21/2024

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback on the Reformation History & Celtic Spirituality Pilgrimage. We are grateful to hear that the journey was a meaningful and beautiful experience for you and Ron. Heather and our entire team are grateful for your kind words and suggestions. Hope we'll see you again!

06/19/2024

Juneteenth marks the date on which enslaved people in Texas were finally free - three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was first published in 1862. It serves as a reminder that freedom cannot be taken for granted: we must continually work for liberation and justice. We are thankful for the many people committed to this work all over the world, and especially our partners along the Civil Rights Trail who continue to tell the stories of those who have struggled on behalf of freedom.

06/07/2024

Always been an incredible visit that we won't forget.

05/25/2024

Step back in time at Govan Old Church and The Govan Stones—one of Glasgow's hidden gems! The beautiful stained glass and serene atmosphere create a spiritual haven that beckons pilgrims and visitors alike.

05/05/2024

Happy Orthodox Easter to all of our family and friends! ❤️

04/30/2024

Join me in wishing a very happy birthday to my beloved, Eric (). He got hooked on travel with our very first trip to Israel and Palestine, and it's been a great ride ever since. I'm so grateful for the extrovert energy he brings to the conferences we attend and the trips that we lead. He's great at connecting with you, our pilgrims, and remembering the stories that you tell about your families, pets, work, and passions. Without his nudging 9 years ago there would be no Progressive Pilgrimage, and he's invested so much of himself in our future as a small business and as a family. Here's to another trip around the sun 🍻

- Heather

04/04/2024

04/03/2024

I'm thankful every day for Heather, but am especially grateful today, as we celebrate her birthday. Heather is the force behind Progressive Pilgrimage: the visionary who imagines wonderful experiences; the puzzle-master who makes it all fit together; the pastor and counselor who cares for our pilgrims; and a great partner in life and business. I hope you'll join me in wishing her the very best day, and many more. ❤

- Eric

03/30/2024

Wishing you all the love and happiness that only Easter can bring. 💕

03/22/2024

We are excited to announce that beginning April 8, Heather will be working full-time for Progressive Pilgrimage! Heather says,

"After nearly 16 years of parish ministry, I am excited to focus on the work of teaching, worship, and community building through pilgrimage. You, our pilgrims, tell us how meaningful travel has been to your own faith. Our church partners tell us how it strengthens your congregations. While I will miss much about parish ministry - most especially the people I have served - I see this as a chance to support congregations and people of faith in a new way. I am delighted to have more time to connect with our travelers, plan meaningful itineraries, and prepare thoughtful resources to support our journeys. Thank you to all our friends and partners who have paved the way for this step into a new future. 💗"

03/21/2024

The women of Noor WEG have united to bring visibility, honor, and much needed services to their children with disabilities. In the process, they have also found new strength and resilience within themselves and their community. Their cooking classes are not only fun for visitors but also raise awareness and funding for their mission.

03/20/2024

St. Brigid of Ireland, also known as Brigid of Kildare, is one of the most prominent figures in Irish Christianity and is celebrated as one of the three patron saints of Ireland, alongside St. Patrick and St. Columba.

St. Brigid is associated with the St. Brigid’s Cross, a symbol made from rushes that is thought to protect homes from harm.

Renowned for her generosity and compassion, founded several monasteries, including in Kildare, and performed healing miracles.

03/11/2024

Michelle Browder is an artist and activist seeking to reclaim the history of Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy (Anarcha Lucy Betsey); enslaved women who were subjected to horrific medical experiments at the hands of Dr. James M. Sims.

Browder's larger than life figures of the three women, including Anarcha's missing womb, were created from discarded materials. The striking figures convey the power and strength of these women, even as they faced horrific treatment by Dr. Sims.

03/06/2024

Join us on a 15-day pilgrimage tracing the footsteps of the Reformation, from Geneva to Edinburgh, Glasgow to St. Andrews, and the Isle of Iona. Along the way, we will encounter historic landmarks, connect with local congregations, and experience the legacy of John Calvin and John Knox. We will conclude our pilgrimage with a delightful evening of traditional Celtic music and dance in Dublin!

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚 $𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://progressivepilgrimage.com/canyoncreek

03/05/2024

We are so excited to welcome Elisha to the Progressive Pilgrimage team! She has been working behind the scenes for a few months already, helping with administration and trip logistics to ensure a smooth registration process for our customers and managing the connections with our vendors and partners.

Elisha loves learning new things, spending time with her family, and she likes to cook! We love working with Elisha, and we're sure you will, too!

02/29/2024

A beautiful sea of clouds greeted us during our stroll from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle to the Giant's Causeway.

02/27/2024

What are your must-have essentials when preparing for a pilgrimage?