Dominican College and nine other Dominican Colleges and Universities in the U.S. participated in a trip this spring to the medieval hilltop town in France where St. Dominic lived.
In all, 40 faculty, staff and students visited Fanjeaux, where St. Dominic’s vision of an order devoted to seeking and sharing the truth took shape from 1206 to 1216. Two students and one administrator from Dominican College in Orangeburg took part in the 17-day trip from May 26 to June 11.
Interested participants submit applications for the program. This year, those chosen were Kiara Rivera, ‘16, Kayla Lyder, ‘16, and Ryan O’Gorman, Director of Residence Life.
“Going on the pilgrimage trip to Fanjeaux, France allowed me to have a greater understanding of who I am, who St. Dominic was, and how the Dominican Charism is found in each of the pilgrims who were on the journey together,” said O’Gorman. “This was a life-changing experience and I encourage anyone interested to apply for the program.”
Each year, the College underwrites the cost of participation for one faculty or staff member and partially funds participation for two students, who are eligible to earn three credits.
The pilgrims studied each morning. In the afternoons, they visited historic sites in southern France, with a focus on places significant in the early history of the Order of Preachers. The program concluded with four nights in Paris.