The conviviality, the quality of the conferences, the diversity of the stands: these are the qualities of this Forum des chemins which were particularly appreciated during this sixth edition. An unmissable event for association members. “I was very happy to meet the colleagues: great exchanges which brought me ideas for our activities and which revitalized me”, comments Pascal Duchêne, president of the Belgian Association of Friends of Saint-Jacques- de-Compostelle who, like his Swiss counterpart, had made the trip.
From Tro Breiz to Shikoku
About twenty pilgrimage paths were represented: famous routes (paths of Saint-Jacques, Saint Martin, Mont-Saint-Michel, Saint Gilles, Tro Breiz); but also new shorter paths in the region (Charles Péguy path, Three Abbeys path in Brocéliande, Saint-Philbert-de-Grandlieu path, Sainte Agathe path), which gave great ideas for long weekends to visitors.
Those who wish to travel long-term have also been satisfied. Will they follow in the footsteps of Saint Colomban, Urban V or Saint Guilhem? Unless they prefer to set sail for Rome (by via francigena which can now be reached by the via ligeria from Nantes), Assisi or, further afield, the island of Shikoku in Japan or the paths of Saint Augustine in Tunisia? The international nature of the stands was highly appreciated, which encourages opening up this event to other pilgrimage routes around the world.
An invitation to read
Under the beautiful canopy of Forum104 , in a space managed by the La Procure bookstore, around twenty authors were able to talk to visitors and sign their books. Stories of pilgrimages, novels, poetry, travel diaries: all literary genres were represented. In the corridor leading to the garden – where the participants were able to continue their discussions under a beautiful sun –, a dozen project leaders (organizers of walks, places of welcome for pilgrims, etc.) were also able to provide information to visitors. “A very good hive atmosphere! “Summarizes Catherine, a regular at this meeting.
From dialogue to reflection
Finally, the Forum des chemins is also conferences, round tables, workshops. With, first of all, the guests of honor: Céline Anaya Gautier and her son Leandro (9 years old), interviewed by Catherine Lalanne, editor-in-chief at Pilgrim who commanded admiration by recounting their journey on the via francigena . In the Notre-Dame-des-Anges chapel – very well decorated by a fine exhibition by Hernan Podesta – the round table with Ariane Wilson, Marie-Ève Humery and Huberta Wiertsema tackled an essential theme: “The pilgrimage, a path interior”. The host, Thierry Lyonnet (RCF), also presented his new podcast “Marche & Rêve”. Then it was the turn of the practical workshops, where several questions were addressed: “Pilgrimage after the pandemic”, “Meditate at the pace of walking”, “Dare to travel alone”, “How to tell your way”.
>>> Also read on lepelerin.com: Meeting with Charles Wright, winner of the Pèlerin Prize for “En chemin” testimony
At the end of the day, literature was honored with the presentation of the “Pilgrim Prize for Testimony / On the Way” to Charles Wright, author of the superb story The summer pasture path (Flammarion). The bumblebee given to him by Muriel Fauriat, head of the books section at Pilgrim, will allow him to continue on the road!
See you next year !
The words of Anne, a pilgrim on many paths, sum up the atmosphere of these days well: “There really is a good atmosphere in this Forum of paths, made up of respect, kindness, open-mindedness and great pleasure to be there! »
The appointment has therefore been made for next year, with a return to the usual dates: Friday March 31 (evening) and Saturday April 1 (all day). And as exciting projects are made to multiply, a Forum des chemins will also be held in Nantes on March 3 and 4, 2023, under the leadership of the association “Haltes pilgrimes en Loire-Atlantique & Via ligeria” and the Siloë bookstore. , in partnership with Pilgrim . Two dates therefore to remember, instead of one… One of the ways for our magazine to celebrate its 150th anniversary!
Discover the Forum des chemins 2022 in pictures!
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[Galerie photos] A successful 6th Forum at a crossroads!
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