GATE (Global Awareness Through Experience)

Central France

Who is she? What does she represent? Join us in pilgrimage to the ancient sites of Vezelay, Riom, Marsat, Clermont-Frerrand, Le Puy, Rocamadour and Chartres in search of the miraculous Black Madonna. In Paris, track her roots and the shadow of her presence in the wood, stone, and paint. Experience who and what she represents as we listen to her and to each other with a pilgrim's heart.

To learn more about pilgrimage content click here.

An example itinerary is here.

Our Lady of the Pillar, taken by Allyson Rickard

Notes from past pilgrims:

"The pilgrimage was indeed a gift in my life. Making sacred space, allowing the Divine Feminine to guide my being and doing, is my prayer. Above all, this journey, made with eight wonderful women, is a richness to be shared. May our united spirits help the emergence of the Divine Feminine for the transformation of the world."
--Sr Marie Azzarello, Quebec, Canada– 2007 Central France: Quest for the Black Madonna

"This is my fifth GATE travel experience, so obviously I love the journeys, the leaders, and those I meet along the way. All of the programs have been spiritually rewarding. However the Black Madonna pilgrimage was uniquely so for it’s sense of place and time. One felt as if a true pilgrim on the route of Saint Jacques de Compostla experiencing the flowering of the Middle Ages, the cathedrals and shrines built to honor Our Lady, Notre Dame, and la Vierge Noire. It was time out of time for personal reflection, spiritual encounter and historical perspective."

--Allyson Rickard, Oakland, CA – 2007 Central France: Quest for the Black Madonna

Facilitators:

Susan Mershon Brockert, ND, RScP will also be leading this pilgrimage. With a Graduate degree in Anthropology and research on the ancient site of Machu Pichu, she first disovered the Femine Divine in Pachamama, the Peruvian Earth Mother.

Susan also holds a degree in Natuopathy (natural health and healing). Susan says that her personal philosophy is planetary transformation is contigent on personal transformation. She leads workshops on Dream Interpretation and Healing the Inner Child Within and has recently finished her first book on the Enneagram. She first joined GATE on our Davinci Tour in 2004 and co-led the tour the following year, and we were blessed to have her lead our first Black Madonna tour last May.

Cecilia Corcoran, Ph.D. FSPA, has spent more than twenty years in Latin America, first in El Salvador and Guatemala before the wars of the 80's, then in Mexico as Co-Director of Global Awareness Through Experience (GATE). Among her degrees Cecilia holds a Ph.D. in Women's Religious Studies from The Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, a Masters in Ministry from Aquinas Institute St. Louis, MO, and a M. Ed. From Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, her ministry is one of raising awareness about critical issues impinging on all residents of this planet. She does this through her work with GATE and her writing. Since August 2005, Cecilia divides her time between international GATE pilgrimages and The Christine Center where she is part of a team of Franciscan Sisters providing contemplative space and retreats in west central Wisconsin.

Upcoming Trips

TBA

Open to men and women, singles and couples.

*Prices subject to change, due to currency rate, etc. Airfare not included. All trips include all transportation, accommodations, and two meals a day.

GATE Retreat

Welcome one and all! Give yourself a gift with this retreat opportunity.

GATE Renewal

Welcome one and all to another GATE reunion. Sign up early for this renewal opportunity!

Introducing Kirkridge

The Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center focuses on social justice issues.