2025 St. James Celebration
July 24-27, 2025
St. Mary's College, South Bend, IN
Registration is Closed
The St. James Celebration is back!
Join us July 24–27, 2025, at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, IN, for a weekend of inspiration, connection and Camino spirit.
This year’s theme, Journeys of the Heart, will guide us through engaging presentations, meaningful service projects, daily walks, music and entertainment, and the joy of gathering with fellow pilgrims.
South Bend is easily accessible via multiple modes of transportation.
What to Expect
- Inspiring speakers and presentations
- Community engagement through service projects, art workshops, and local walks
- Pilgrim support sessions, including backpack fitting, Camino processing, and meditative walks
- Special events, including a Basilica Mass on St. James Day on July 25
- Music, dance, and entertainment featuring flamenco dancers and musicians
- Opportunities to meet and share with fellow Camino pilgrims
The St. James Day Celebration is open to all pilgrims. The South Bend Chapter and a team of local and national volunteers are the hosts of this year's Celebration.
What's the Cost?
We’re excited to offer three registration options to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience at the 2025 St. James Celebration. Choose the option that best suits your needs and join us for a weekend of connection, learning, and Camino spirit.
Full Registration—$495 (Member) | $595 (Non-Member)
Stay on-site and enjoy a fully immersive experience with lodging, nine meals, and all Celebration activities included. You will be housed in the "Celebration albergue," a French castle-style dormitory built over a century ago.
- Accommodations: Three nights’ lodging in an individual dormitory-style room with shared bathrooms. Linens are provided; please bring your own toiletries and personal items. There is no additional fee for a single room.
- Community: Ideal for pilgrims who want to experience the Celebration alongside fellow attendees in a communal setting.
- Roommate Option: You may request a roommate in a double room when registering (both must agree to the pairing). This is ideal for couples and close friends. There is no discount for a double-occupancy room.
Commuter Registration—$199 (Member and Non-Member)
Perfect for local attendees or those arranging off-site accommodation.
- Included: All meals and full access to all Celebration sessions and activities.
- Flexibility: A great option if you prefer to stay off-site but still want to participate fully in the Celebration.
What's Included
All registration options include
- Plenary Sessions
- Breakout Sessions
- Entertainment and Beverages
- Other Activities (i.e. community service projects, art workshops, local walks, etc.)
Meals
The talented Chef Charu at St. Mary's has planned a menu featuring delicious Spanish cuisine. If you attended the 2021 Celebration, you'll remember our delicious meals!
Full registration includes nine meals from Thursday dinner through Sunday lunch. Commuter registration includes six meals (lunches and dinners, but no breakfast).
What's on the Program?
We have a fantastic program with speakers and activities of interest to both first-time and veteran pilgrims.
Confirmed speakers include Anne Born, Stacey Wittig, Kathy Kehe, Annie O'Neil, Marty Murphy, Greg Bennet, Karin Kiser, Carlos Rivero, Dave Hall, Tresha Mandel, Jim Larocco, and Laura Sumner. There will be a shell ceremony for pilgrims embarking on a first Camino and our own Merry Band of Pilgrims looks forward to leading us in song. We'll also have an encore presentation by the talented flamenco dance troupe La Rosa Spanish Dance Theater!
Follow this link to view the program (final).
Follow this link to the 2025 St. James Celebration Shell Ceremony program.
Follow this link to view a St. Mary's College campus map.
Helpful Information
The weather forecast for the Celebration:
- Thursday-High of 95F with a 51% chance of rain
- Friday High of 87F with a 61% chance of rain
- Saturday High of 86F with a 58% chance of rain
- Sunday High of 87F with a 51% chance of rain
All of the facilities at Saint Mary’s College that we will be using are air-conditioned!
For our outdoor walks please dress for the warm and humid weather. We encourage you to bring an umbrella and/or rain jacket or poncho, as well as bug spray for the walks.
Our lodging at Saint Mary’s is in Le Mans Hall. Bed linens, towels and soap are provided, but please bring your own toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush). It is a century-old women’s dormitory with French architecture and is more like an albergue than a hotel. Single beds in private rooms, but shared bathrooms. For the men, we hope you'll understand there aren't too many urinals!
Community Service Projects
On Saturday morning, July 26, after our morning walks and before lunch, you’re invited to join a short community service project. It’s a great way to lend a helping hand, connect with fellow pilgrims, and live the Camino spirit.
Whether you’re pulling weeds, tuning a bike, or just showing up with a smile, you’ll be part of something meaningful. Thank you for considering this simple but impactful way to give back.
- Yikes, Bikes! – Led by Paul
Every year, many bikes are abandoned at the end of the school year. As we did in 2021, we’ll recover and service a set of them—aiming for 10 or more—for a future student lending program. No experience needed! - Saint Mary’s Sustainable Farm – Led by Chris
This historic farm dates back to the 19th century when the college grew its food. Today, it teaches students about sustainability and food systems. In summer months, the farm relies on volunteers to help harvest vegetables and tend flowers that brighten the campus. Follow this link to watch a short video. - Unity Gardens – Led by Jo
A true community garden, Unity Gardens helps feed local residents and welcomes all to share in the harvest. Follow this link to watch a short video.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the 2025 St. James Celebration!
¡Buen Camino!
Photos from the 2021 St. James Celebration
Rev 07/21/2025