The Anthropocene is “the geological period during which human activity is the dominant influence on climate and the environment”. Since World War 2, for better and for worse, societies and ecosystems have moved into the Anthropocene era.
An Anthropocene pilgrim considers human impact on the ecosystems through which they walk, and how to maintain or regain complex ecosystems that include humans but are not completely reshaped by humans. The Anthropocene pilgrim goes through a holy place - the biosphere/Creation - rather than to and from a holy place [e.g. Jerusalem, Mecca].
Theme: In a pilgrimage experience, people reflect on how to know and protect Creation where they work, live and play.
Overview: The route ends each day in St. Marys churches in Metchosin. The emphasis is on reflection while walking through Creation, not on distance travelled.
In 2024, there will be two days of pilgrimage, mainly on trails and none on major roads.
- Friday, August 30th:
- register between 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. at St. Mary of the Incarnation. Parking is available.
- After registration, pilgrims are driven from St. Mary to one of the starting points between Metchosin and Sooke, near the Galloping Goose Trail. Pilgrims will walk on local and regional trails to St. Mary of the Incarnation church, 4125 Metchosin Road.
- At 5:30 p.m. volunteers will serve a simple vegetarian ‘pilgrim supper’ of soup, main course and salad, and dessert.
- Community members are invited to join the pilgrims at the supper. A speaker will lead discussion of different cultural understandings of Creation and the responsibilities of humans within it.
- Saturday, August 31:
- gather at Church of the Advent between 8:45 and 9:00 a.m. Parking is available.
- There will be a short Anglican service, open to all, at 9:00 a.m.
- Pilgrims will walk through Royal Roads University, along the beach to Albert Lagoon, by road to Witty’s Lagoon, and then to St. Mary the Virgin church, 4354 Metchosin Road.
- There will be a closing group reflection between 1:3o and 2:30 p.m.
- Rides will be available back to the parking area, if required.