The International Pilgrimage 2025 ~ Rheinhessen, Germany. 5 to 13 August 2025
We are invited by the Pilgrims of St Francis in Germany to take part in the International Pilgrimage 2025 through part of Rheinhessen in the Rhine valley south of Mainz.
Because of its gently rolling landscape and endless vineyards, the region is often referred to as the ‘Land of 1000 Hills’.
With more than 26,000 hectares of vineyards, Rheinhessen is the largest wine-growing region in Germany and is known for its excellent white wines. Between the sunny vineyards, small forests and streams provide cooling and shade for hikers. The fertile loess soils have made the region attractive for agriculture since the Neolithic Age (approx. 5000 BC). From around 50 BC, Rheinhessen belonged to the Roman Empire and Mainz (Mogontiacum) became the most important city and a central military centre. The Romans developed the region and brought viticulture to Rheinhessen. In the early Middle Ages, Mainz became an important centre of early Christianity. Later, the Archbishop of Mainz was one of the most influential personalities in the Holy Roman Empire.
It was in Mainz that Johannes Gutenberg invented letterpress printing with movable type. This invention made the mass production of books possible. The spread of printing made a decisive contribution to the Renaissance, the Reformation and the Enlightenment, as knowledge and education became accessible to broader sections of the population. His invention laid the foundations for our modern information- based society.
During the French Revolution and Napoleon’s rule (1792-1814), Rheinhessen was under French control. This brought modern administrative structures and a strong influence of French culture.
The climate in Rheinhessen is mild. In August, daytime highs are often between 25°C and 30°C.
At night, temperatures drop to between 15°C and 18°C, which provide a refreshing cooling effect. Rain can also be expected in summer, and heavy thunderstorms are also possible, – but the rain usually passes quickly.
Venue
The pilgrimage will begin and end in Budenheim.
This small town lies on the banks of the Rhine about 8 kilometres west of Mainz.
Address for the start and end of the pilgrimage
TGM 1886 Budenheim e. V. gymnasium
Binger Straße 52 55257 Budenheim
How to get there:-
By train Long-distance trains stop in Mainz. Budenheim is on the railway line from Mainz to Koblenz. Regional trains and buses run regularly from Mainz to Budenheim. It is 800 metres from Budenheim train station to the Gym.
By plane
Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Train to Mainz.
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN). Shuttle bus to Mainz (approx. 75 minutes).
Cologne-Bonn Airport (CGN). Train to Mainz.
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS). Train to Mainz.
Group Choices
1 Walking groups with support vehicles and adventure groups without a support vehicle.
These groups walk with their baggage to a different venue each day.
2 Star groups that stay in one place for several nights and walk from there without luggage.
3 The Centre Group. For older people or people with physical disabilities. A house with beds
in multi-bed rooms. Address The Martin Luther House, in Wiesbaden, on the other side of the Rhine.
Car Parking
Cars that are needed for groups can park at the gymnasium. Cars that are not going to be used for groups can be parked in surrounding streets (a quiet residential area).
Left Luggage
A secure room is available for luggage that is not required during the pilgrimage.
Dates
Start:- Tuesday 5th August 2025 in Budenheim, (but you are welcome the night before Mon 4th Aug)
End:- Wednesday night (13 August) but you can stay for breakfast (free) on Thursday 14 August
Arrival the day before – Monday, 4 August 2025. – eve of the pilgrimage
Programme: Monday 4 Aug. from 17.00h The venue will be open.
20:00 h Meeting for first-time participants
For the additional overnight stay in the Gym, we ask for a contribution of €5 per adult.
NOTE Everyone must do their own catering. There are shops and restaurants nearby.
The first meal organised by the Companions will be in the evening of Tuesday 5 August.
Programme: Tuesday, 5 August 2025 – start of the pilgrimage
11:00 h Workshop for Group Responsible
12:00 h Briefing for Responsibles
from 12:00 -1400h Registration. Storage room for luggage, not needed on pilgrimage, open.
13:00 h Meeting for first-time participants.
15:00 h Opening ceremony and formation of groups.
16:30 h Departure of the groups
Programme: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 – end of the pilgrimage
13:00 h Arrival of the groups in Budenheim and collection of stored luggage
15:00 h Meeting of ‘Responsibles’
17:00 h Closing service
18:30 h Evening meal
19:30 h Closing ceremony
Programme: Thursday, 14 August 2025 –
7:00 h Breakfast. Departures before 10:00 h
Prices
| Total | Deposit | Balance | |
| Adults | 200 € | £35.00 | 160 € |
| Centre Group | 250 € | £35.00 | 210 € |
| Young people over 12, Students, Apprentices, Unemployed | 125 € | £35.00 | 85 € |
| Children from 4 – 12 | 70 € | £17.50 | 50 € |
| Children under 5 | Gratis |
We ask participants (aged 18 and over) who are not members of the Pilgrim Movement to pay an additional €10 once a year for international planning and insurance.
How to apply
Please complete the Application form and the form ‘data protection and publication rights’ on a computer if possible. This makes our work easier and avoids errors when entering the data.
If the application form is for an underage participant who is not in the same group with their parent please print out the page which has the additional information for them and send them, signed, by post or bring them to the pilgrimage.
The forms can be downloaded below.
Please send completed forms, preferably by email to the National leader by 31 March 2025:
ianmason@talktalk.net Ian Mason 92 Bodmin Ave. Stafford ST17 0EQ
With your application please send the deposit and, if applicable, the additional contribution, to :-
HSBC bank. Sort Code 40–08-32 Acc. 01606751 and please tell Caroline Hannah (caroline.hannah@talktalk.net)
or make cheques payable to: – ‘The Pilgrims of St Francis’ and send them to: Caroline Hannah. If you need her address please telephone her 01233 635167.
The balance is to be paid in cash in euros at the beginning of the pilgrimage.