Annual Gathering of Pilgrims
The Gathering is an opportunity to share experiences, to support one another and to learn more about the Camino and the pilgrimage experience. Join us in 2026!
2026 Gathering of Pilgrims at Mo-Ranch
Echoes from the Camino: The Gifts We Carry. The Gifts We Share.
Registration Opens January 10, 2025.
The 2026 Gathering of Pilgrims is on the horizon, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you! We’ll be returning to Mo-Ranch in Hunt, Texas, from April 9–12, 2026, with an optional pre-Gathering San Antonio Mission Walk on April 8 for those who want to begin their journey a little earlier.
The Theme
The 2026 theme, “Echoes from the Camino: The Gifts We Carry. The Gifts We Share.”, celebrates the many ways the Camino continues to speak through us long after we return home—through story, art, music, community, and service. Our volunteer team is curating an inspiring lineup of speakers, creative sessions, interactive workshops, and community-building events shaped around this theme.
Program
The 2026 Gathering program will combine presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions with ample time for fellowship. Pilgrims will find opportunities for crafts, music, and the arts—hands-on experiences that highlight the many gifts of the Camino community. Just as important will be the unstructured time to gather, share stories, and deepen connections with fellow pilgrims.
We are also mindful that the community of Hunt, Texas, home to Mo-Ranch, was the site of a tragic flood in July 2025. In gratitude for the welcome we receive, we hope to include opportunities for community service projects, allowing pilgrims to give back and support our generous hosts.
What's New for 2026
Motorcoach Transportation
We’ll once again offer motorcoach service between the San Antonio Airport and Mo-Ranch. Details on departure times, pricing, and signup will be provided before registration begins.
Airport Hotel Option (Pre/Post Event)
For those not joining the Mission Walk—or simply wanting an easier travel day—we are arranging a discounted room block at an airport-area hotel for April 7 and April 12. More information will follow once the block is confirmed.
Camino de San Antonio Missions Walk (April 8)
Start the Gathering with a two-day walk connecting the historic San Antonio Missions—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect Camino-style stamps, cultural stops, and a joyful kickoff to our shared journey. Distance from this walk is even recognized by the Cathedral in Santiago and can be applied toward the Compostela.
More on the Mission Walk below.
Community Service Projects
In the spirit of giving back, the 2026 Gathering will include hands-on service opportunities in and around Mo-Ranch and the local community. These projects will be designed for all abilities, grounded in the Camino spirit of caring for one another and for the places that host us. More details will be shared early next year.
Creative & Storytelling Experiences
This year brings expanded opportunities for pilgrims to share their gifts—through writing, collage, music, photography, mindfulness circles, and more.
Lodging & Meals
We are pleased to offer several lodging options this year:
- Hotel-style room (double occupancy): $525 per person
Comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. - Albergue-style lodging: $350 per person
A shared, dorm-style setup reminiscent of Camino albergues—perfect for pilgrims to experience community living and a more budget-friendly option. - Commuter registration: $275 per person
For those staying off-site who want full access to all Gathering programming, meals, and activities.
Please make sure your membership is active before registration opens.
Volunteers
Want to be part of the action? We’re looking for volunteers to help with organizing, logistics, leading hikes, or presenting. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please email gatherings@americanpilgrims.org
How to Attend
Registration for the 2026 Gathering opens in January 10, 2026. Stay tuned, mark your calendars, and plan to join us in the Texas Hill Country. Together, we will listen for the echoes of the Camino—and share the gifts we carry.
Start Your 2026 Gathering Journey on the San Antonio Mission Walk
Start your 2026 Gathering journey with a meaningful first step — the San Antonio Mission Walk — a special, optional pre-Gathering experience taking place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the day before we all head to Mo-Ranch.
This beautiful urban pilgrimage follows the El Camino de San Antonio Missions Trail, a route where spirituality and history naturally intertwine. Over roughly 13 miles, we’ll visit four of San Antonio’s UNESCO-designated missions (Espada, San Juan, San José and Concepción), tracing a path walked by generations before us. The day ends at the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest continuous-functioning Cathedral in the United States — giving the walk a true pilgrim’s arc of beginning, journey, and arrival.
The Pilgrim Office in Santiago officially recognizes this route, which means your miles can be applied toward your Compostela distance in Spain. Just like the Camino de Santiago, the Padre Margil Pilgrimage Center in San Antonio offers both a pilgrimage passport to collect stamps at each Mission, as well as the El Camino de San Antonio Compostela certificate of completion.
A few logistics:
- The San Antonio Mission Walk is a stand-alone event, separate from the 2026 Gathering.
- Separate registration is required for both the Mission Walk and the 2026 Gathering.
- Registering for the Mission Walk does not register you for the 2026 Gathering.
- Plan to arrive in San Antonio on Tuesday, April 7 so you’re rested and ready for the early start on Wednesday.
- Participants should secure lodging for both April 7 and April 8; participants are responsible for their own accommodations.
- A limited number of discounted group-rate hotel rooms will be available. Details will be provided during the registration period in January.
- Transportation from downtown San Antonio to Mo-Ranch will be offered on the afternoon of Thursday, April 9 for all Mission Walk participants.
Cost to participate: Although the San Antonio Mission walk itself is free, optional add-ons include the pilgrimage passport, Compostela certificate of completion, boxed lunch at Mission Concepción, and bus transportation to Mo-Ranch. Details to come.
Registration for both the San Antonio Mission Walk and the 2026 Gathering will open in January. Watch your email and check the American Pilgrims website for details as they become available.
Start your 2026 journey with a meaningful step. We can’t wait to walk with you in San Antonio.
What We Did in 2025
The 2025 event in Vancouver was truly special—not just because of the beautiful setting at the University of British Columbia or the rich lineup of speakers and activities, but also because it was co-hosted by American Pilgrims on the Camino and the Canadian Company of Pilgrims.
This gathering’s theme, “Bridges of the Camino: Connecting Cultures and Hearts,” came to life in so many ways. We heard from Alfredo Martínez Serrano, the Ambassador of Spain to Canada, along with Rebekah Scott, Juan Carlos Pérez Cabezas and many others. We even made a huge human arrow!
Get more details and the full text of Rebekah and Juan Carlos' talks here.
Follow this link to view the 2025 program.
Check out the fun in our 2025 video.
What We Did in 2024
Our 2024 program included informative and insightful presentations for pilgrims of all levels. We welcomed Lynn Talbot, Maryjane Dunn, Lisa Signori, Carlos Mentley, Kathy Kehe, Adam Wells, Dave Whitson, Leigh Brennan, Alder Allensworth, Shoshana Kerewsky and many more talented and insightful speakers.
Our Dutch, Spanish, Canadian and Norwegian colleagues gave delightful presentations. We had a walk to our own Cruz de Ferro on Saturday morning, and five intrepid (crazy?) pilgrims accepted the “Polar Plunge Challenge” and leaped into the Guadalupe River on a 39°F morning.
Musical guests included The Western Flyers, Dan Mullins, Dr. Kristina Jacobsen and Dair Obenshain, and a reunion of the Merry Band of Pilgrims!
Check out the fun in the 2024 video.
Rev 12/8/2025

