February Newsletter
Dear Friends,
Happy Valentine’s Day from cold and rainy Rhode Island. In Santiago, where 144 pilgrims received their Compostelas, it is 54 degrees. Some of them are staying at Casa Anglicana, which has been quite busy this February. The current guests follow some 7300 others from 54 countries that we have welcomed since opening in May 2023.
As we begin our third year of pilgrim ministry, I have much good news to share with you.
Thank You
First, I want to begin with a huge thank you to all who so generously answered our Christmas appeal. Your response was heartwarming. We are thankful for all your donations. Your generosity enables us to continue the work in which we so passionately believe. We are grateful to you, and we thank you.
Ultreia y Suseia
The year began with the first of our three educational offerings: An Intensive Language and Cultural week at Casa Anglicana. Flexibility was the order of the week. Last-minute cancellations, health bumps and schedule changes did not deter our leaders, Hugo Olaiz and John-Charles Duffy. Their classes were well prepared and much appreciated. Using Hugo’s recently translated Bilingual Service Booklet for the daily services was a brilliant teaching tool and a useful souvenir of the week. John-Charles’s pronunciation lessons, games, and guitar-accompanied singing rounded out the lessons. Fletcher Banner, who filled in for me while I was “under house arrest” for medical precautions, was the consummate host. Between valet service to and from the airport, dinners at the Casa, coffee breaks in town, tickets to the Nutcracker ballet, (yes, the Nutcracker came to Santiago), museum outings, and field trips to Padron, Finisterre and Muxia, he ensured every day was a good one and a full one.
Bishop Carlos’ market tour and cooking demonstrations were fun, and the result delicious. He and Father Ruben from Saint Thomas Becket Church in Salamanca celebrated the Eucharist and told the group about the pilgrim ministry in that church. Finally, Felipe, whose disposition is as warm and sunny as the best Spanish weather, proved once again why everyone loves him. Heartfelt thanks to each one who made the week such a success. If you missed it this year, don’t miss it next year.
Anglican Camino Ministry
After a successful year of collaboration between the Friends of the Anglican Pilgrim Centre, the Spanish Episcopal Church, the Church of England, and The Episcopal Church USA, we have taken the next step. In recognition of our shared mission, we have created The Anglican Camino Ministry comprised of representatives from each of the “four strands.” Together we have written a chaplains handbook outlining the duties of the chaplains and establishing a uniform schedule of worship. Twelve priests from the US, seven from the Church of England, two from the Spanish Episcopal Church, one from the Anglican Church of Canada, two Deacons, and two Bishops will stay at Casa Anglicana and provide full time pastoral care for pilgrims from Mid-March through October.
Looking Ahead
There is one place left for the Writers Workshop and several spaces available for the Icon Writing workshop. Join Board member, priest, and poet Spencer Reece and Grinnell professor and poet Ralph Savarese for four days of walking and writing in April. In May, learn alongside iconographer Christine Hales who will help you step by step write your own icon of Santiago (St. James).
Walk, Write, Seek: A Writer's Pilgrimage (April 24-27, 2025)
Icon Workshop (May 5-10, 2025)
The week of February 24, I will once again be at the Episcopal Parish Network Conference in Kansas City, MO. Edie Morrill, recuperating from shoulder surgery will miss this year but Joanna Wivell from Insiders Travel will be there to keep me company. Stop by the Friends booth #42 to “talk Camino”, pick up a shell and maybe a tee shirt. Next door, Joanna can help your parish plan a Camino Pilgrimage so they too can jump for joy in front of the Cathedral
On March 1, I will be in Boston for a Camino de Santiago colloquium. Theologian Father Victor Austin, Dante Scholar Dr. Rachel Teubner, and I will speak in the morning. After lunch we will be joined by s fellow pilgrims Elizabeth Amrien and David Abbott Fisher for a panel discussion.
Finally, six of our board members will be in Santiago this season. Fletcher Banner is due to return shortly Father John Beddingfield will begin our 2025 chaplaincy in Mid-March. Father Spencer Reece will be there in April for his Writers workshop. Edie and I expect to be back to full strength in late April when, for the fifth time, we will walk the Camino Portuguese with a group of 14 fellow Rhode Islanders (and three Texans). Canon Greg Foraker will be in residence just after we leave. For each of us, it is a joy to stay and to work at the House. Time spent with our guests around the table, in the garden or at worship is always a privilege. Our House is your house. Drop in for a cup of coffee. Enjoy our garden where the lemon and orange trees are in bud and the jasmine is thriving. Share a meal with us. Pray with us. Pray for us. Come often. Come anytime.
