Josephy Center Hosts: A Presentation by Robert Kemp

On Pilgrim Paths: Sacred Sites of Medieval France, Wales and Spain 
Presentation and Photographs by Robert Kemp 
(Oregonian by birth, Francophile by choice)
 
This past Spring, artist-photographer Rob Kemp spent two months in Europe, much of it on a tour of Romanesque and Gothic religious sites of southwestern France, as well as a few sites in Provence, Wales and Catalonia. An exploration into Art, History and Faith, Rob's presentation will include photography and reflections that illuminate the history and beauty of these locations. Rob takes a special interest in the architecture and sculpture of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. 
 
In the Middle Ages, thousands of Christian pilgrims traveled a network of routes leading to sacred places associated with saints and miracles. Significant among these routes was the Way of St. James, or the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. There were numerous routes across France leading to the Camino, and churches and monasteries along the routes began to collect holy relics for themselves. Some became sites of pilgrimage on their own merit. Many of these places have changed little in a thousand years, and the routes still attract pilgrims who walk hundreds of kilometers of the historic paths each year.
 
In order to visit the most significant sites, Rob traveled by rented car on back roads, criss-crossing the major routes to visit medieval sites including Rocamadour, Perigueux and Conques. In addition, Rob visited secluded medieval monasteries of the French and Spanish Pyrenees including St. Martin du Canigou and St. Pere de Rodes. Rob will also include locations in Provence and Wales in his presentation, along with a digression to Gaudi's contemporary Basilica of the SagradaFamilia in Barcelona. 
 
Rob will also present information on pilgrimage travel, including lodging in pilgrim hostels and monasteries. Rob has studied and traveled in France and other countries of Western Europe on eight previous occasions.
 
A resident of Joseph, Rob Kemp can be reached for further information at 541-263-0839.