in collaboration with Camino Europa Compostela
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 Postal Service 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.
The Conference program promises to be an interesting one:
PROGRAMS:
Art Exhibition: “It’s in the journey”
Date: 19th – 26th May 2025 | Venue: Post 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.
The general public and conference delegates can visit the exhibition at their leisure during the week (most overseas delegates are arriving early).
The timings of the Post Museum are: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 16:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00.
We also have photographs from 5 pilgrims. These will be exhibited in roll-ups and backgrounds for the various events that we have.
Movie Premiere: The Way, My Way
based on the book of author William Bennett
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.
“It’s in the Journey” Conference Progam
Date: 25th May 2025 | Venue: St. Paul’s Missionary College, Rabat | Medium: English
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 Affiars 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.
Ecumenical Service
Date: 25th May 2025 | Venue: Oratory of the Co Cathedral of St John, Valletta | Time: 19:00 – 20:00
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.
CEC AGM [Members only] Followed by Board Meeting
Date: 26th May 2025 | Venue: Archbishop’s Seminary (same as accommodation) | Time: 09:00 – 12:00
Concurrent to the above we will also have the Rabat/ Mdina walking tour program for persons accompanying the overseas CEC delegates and in the afternoon, following lunch, there will be a tour for all overseas guests.
The information page for the Camino Conference (CEC, May 2025) can be found here.