Camino Conference May 2025

Welcome

The European Federation of Caminos (Camino Europa Compostela) of which XirCammini is a member, will be in Malta for their annual General Assembly. XirCammini members have been invited to also register for this event.

Around 150 Delegates from close to 20 countries and over 20 European associations will participate in this event. Registrations are steadily coming in. Those of you interested in registering can do so by following the above link. The cost is Eur15 per person and includes invitations for the:

• Movie Premiere at St. James Cavalier of the film, The Way | My Way on Saturday afternoon, 24th May 2025 at 14:30; and
• Ecumenical service in the Oratory of St John’s Cathedral, Valletta on Sunday 25th May; and
• An art exhibition that is open to the general public from the 19th to the 26th May at the Malta Postal Museum in Archbishop street Valletta.

We also want to thank the sponsors behind this event Malta Tourism Authority, APS Bank plc, Walk.mt Limited, Authentik Malta (a Travelife Partner), The Spanish Embassy in Malta and the Australian High Commission in Malta. This event would not have been possible without your financial support. Thank you.

A particular thanks also goes to our special, overseas guests and contributors who have been supporting us throughout this journey including but not limited to Johnnie Walker Santiago, Fr Steven Shields, William Bennett, Jennifer Cluff and the person who originally planted the seed for this conference – Flavio Vendoni – all of whom will be with us during this Conference.

Date: 19th – 26th May 2025 | Venue: Malta Postal Museum, Archbishop Street, Valletta

We will have 4 artists exhibiting 16 mixed media paintings on the theme, “It’s in the Journey”. 3 of the artists have walked a Camino in the past and 2 of them have walked several Caminos since 2018.

Find out more about the artists on their respective pages:

• Gerald John Micallef
• Jo Debono
• Tiziana Farrugia
• Cynthia Far

Date: 24th May 2025 | Venue: St James Cavalier, Castile Place, Valletta

We will have 2 screenings of this movie premiere in Malta. The event will be held under the auspices of H.E. the Spanish Ambassador to Malta and H.E. the Australian Ambassador to Malta. Special guests include William Bennett, author and director, Jennifer Cluff, actor and producer and Johnnie Walker Santiago, veteran Camino afficionado and actor and other actors from the film.

There will be 2 screenings. Since seating is limited, we urge XirCammini members who wish to join this event to book for the conference.

We currently have around 150 delegates (close to 100 delegates from overseas overseas) for the conference from 16 countries and 24 associations.

The program for the conference is almost finalised:

09:30 – 09:45 Inauguration of the Conference and Fair by Hon Ian Borg Minister of Foreign & European Affairs and Tourism

10:00 – 10:10: James Portelli: General Welcome and Introduction to the Conference

10:10 – 10:20: “Faith Tourism and Malta“, a Presentation by Malta Tourism Authority Main Conference Sponsor

10:20 – 10:50: “Pilgrimages transcending time: A Millennial Perspective “, Dr Dane Munro

10:50 – 11:00: Pilgrimaps: An innovative initiative promoting pilgrimage routes and fostering cooperation among associations globally.

11:00 – 11:30: Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:15:”6 Months: From Clifden to Santiago de Compostela” Breandan Ó Scanaill

12:15 – 13:00:  “San Mikiel ta’ San Cir“, Dr. Stanley Farrugia Randon, Council Member | Din l-Art Helwa. The church of Saint Michael is one of the oldest free-standing churches still standing. San Ciriacus was venerated during the Byzantine period. The church was rebuilt during the Aragonese period. Din L-Art Helwa will shortly be restoring this historical gem.

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break

14:00 – 14:05: Afternoon introduction

14:05 – 14:45:  Panel Discussion: “Camino: Religious, Spiritual or Humanist“, Sue Sergeant, CSJ (UK) Chairperson to chair this discussion.

14:45 – 15:55: CEC: Introducing all the CEC Member Associations (a 5-minute pitch per association)

15:55 – 16:00: Round-up, thank you and Conclusion.

This service has been developed by Fr. Stephen Shields and Johnnie Walker Santiago. They will carry with them shells and a candle blessed at the Cathedral of Santiago and also a blessing / message from the Bishop of Santiago de Compostela.