In Catalonia: 30 July – 7 August
We are invited by the Pilgrims of St Francis in Spain (Compañeros de San Francisco) to take part in the international pilgrimage 2024 through part of Catalonia in the north east of Spain.
We shall walk along parts of the ‘Cistercian Route’ which is a long distance path, which crosses the paths we take through the regions of Alt Camp, La Conca de Barberà and Urgell with its 65 settlements. Each of the regions is home to a Cistercian monastery: Santes Creus, Poblet and Vallbona de les Monges, all monumental and austere.
The area is rich in culture and history, wines, countryside, caves, festivals, traditions, glass and alabaster craftsmanship.
The town of Montblanc, where we start and finish, is a medieval Spanish village c. 7,400 inhabitants and its old town has been declared a historic-artistic site. In the area there are cave paintings which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 and this site is part of the rock art of the Mediterranean arc of the Iberian Peninsula. El Real Monasterio de Santa María de Poblet was founded in 1150, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dates
The pilgrimage starts on Tuesday 30th July 2024 in Montblanc, (but you are welcome to come the night before – Monday 29th – after 5 pm, for a small fee and coffee and tea will be available) *
The Pilgrimage ends on Wednesday night (7 August) but please stay for breakfast (free) on Thursday 8 August (leaving before 10.00h)
The start and end
The Sports Centre of Casal Montblanquí , Calle Casal 2, Montblanc. This is about a 5 minute walk from the train and bus stations. There will be a locked room to store baggage not wanted during the pilgrimage.
Programme for the beginning and end
Monday, July 29. (The day before) Arrival from 17:00 p.m.
Registration 19:00 p.m. – 20:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 30. The start of the Pilgrimage
Registration 11:00 – 13:00
Meeting for Responsibles 15:00
Opening Service and group formation 16.00
Departure of the groups 17.00
* The first organised meal will be on Tuesday night.
Wednesday, August 7.- The end of the Pilgrimage Arrival of the groups in Montblanc
and collection of stored luggage. 13.00
Meeting of the Responsibles 15.00
Final Celebration 18.00
Dinner 20.00
Veillé 21:00
Thursday, August 8. Departure; Breakfast from 7.30
Departure before 10:00
Groups
1 The Centre group will be in Tarrés. There are only 17 beds in two houses with kitchen, dining room, a bathroom (adapted) and a room with two single beds on the ground floor of each house; the rest of the beds and facilities are on the first floor. There is a laundry room and washing machine. Sheets and towels can be rented for 4€.
2 In the Star groups there will also be beds available.
3 The Adventure group will visit 2 or 3 monasteries on the Cistercian Route. There will not be a car in this group and all food and household items will have to be carried. Food will be provided on the days when it is not possible to buy it or it is difficult to transport it.
4 There will also be groups for walkers with a car to carry the food and kitchen along with some pilgrim baggage. But pilgrims will be expected to carry as much of their personal equipment as possible.
(More information about details can be found at the bottom of this page.)
The theme 2024
‘What would Saint Francis say today?’ Texts, conversations and reflections on this theme will be held during the route.
Costs –
The deposit is paid nationally with your booking – The balance in cash and in euros should be paid at the start.
| Costs 2024 | 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 |
How to get there:-
Public Transport
By train: AVE from Paris, Lyon, Marseille. In summer probably more frequent.
From Barcelona (Sants station): direction Barcelona-Lleida R13 via Valls, and R14 via Tarragona and Reus;
From Madrid AVE to Lleida or to Camp de Tarragona station.
By bus: from Barcelona airport to Tarragona, then train to Montblanc or bus to Valls + bus to Montblanc.
In summer there are buses from the north of Spain.
By air Reus 30 km: there are many flights to European cities in summer especially from England, Scotland, Wales and
Ireland; also from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France.
Barcelona at 100 kms: International airport “El Prat”. From there, bus to Tarragona and then to Valls and Montblanc.
By car: AP2 Exit 9 Montblanc.
How to apply
On your form please make sure you choose the appropriate group for you.
note – if you wish to be in the Centre Group then apply early as the numbers are limited!
Please contact Ian Mason if you have any questions, need printed forms or if it is your first time.
Send your booking form , by post or email, together with the deposit before March 31 2024 to:- The National Guardian
Ian Mason 92 Bodmin Ave. Stafford ST17 0EQ , ianmason@talktalk.net T. 01785 662194
COME – WALK WITH US!
YOU CAN’T MISS IT!
