Every year since 1998, American Pilgrims on the Camino or its predecessor organizations has hosted an annual Gathering of Pilgrims. These events are opportunities to enjoy the company of old friends, to meet new ones and to relive the experience of the Camino.

The 2014 Gathering of Pilgrims

The Inner and Outer Camino

Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, April 6, 2014
Our Lady of the Snows National Shrine
Belleville, Illinois (acoss the river from St. Louis, Missouri)

Save the date!

You can always contact the Gatherings coordinators for general information about American Pilgrims annual Gatherings.

Current conditions in Belleville, Illinois

Average maximum and minimum temperatures for Belleville, Illinois for April 3rd are 64°F and 41°F.

For its 15th Annual Gathering of Pilgrims (2013), American Pilgrims on the Camino returned to the San Pedro Center in Winter Park, Florida March 27 through April 2, 2012. The Gathering's theme was "Roads Less Traveled". As always there were sessions devoted to the practical side of doing the Camino, sessions on Camino first aid and general Q&A. Other talks ranged from the academic through routes in other parts of Europe to the gustatorial. Representatives from the Xacobeo Galicia, la Federación Española de Asociaciones de Amigos del Camino de Santiago and the Association of Friends of the Camino of Japan were in attendance and they gave presentations on their organizations activities with special attention given to relations with American Pilgrims. One of the highlights of the week was the Thursday evening performance by classical guitarist Joshua Englert. Evening meals were especially notable this year with themes based on Valencian, Portuguese and French cuisine. And as always there was time for personal interactions with other peregrinos, past and future. Saturday evening's Camino Cabaret was an outlet for the varied - to say the least! - talents of our attendees. Who would have guessed!?

The American Pilgrims on the Camino offers a hearty ¡Muchas gracias! to our friends from the Xacobeo organization in Galicia, Spain who have provided generous support for the Gathering. You might consider visiting their website (by clicking on their logo). It truly is an outstanding resource for pilgrims. And of course they are the definitive source for information on the Camino routes in Galicia.

Hospitalero training by American Pilgrims is always conducted in conjunction with the annual Gathering but in addition we offer other sessions throughout the year. Check the Hospitaleros page for further information.

Consider giving back to the Camino!. Those who have gone on from walking the Camino to serving as hospitaleros say that this experience if anything is even more rewarding than the Camino itself. For some insight into the sense of fulfillment, there is an interesting YouTube video about service that has snippets of interviews with the late Don José María of San Juan de Ortega, Don Jesús Jato of the albergue Ave Fenix and the Confraternity's Marion Marples.

For more information, see our Hospitaleros page.

In addition to the training offered by American Pilgrims, weekend courses are offered Canada several times each year. Our Canadian brethren or anyone who cannot make it to training offered by American Pilgrims might consider this alternative. Please see our Local/Regional Events page.