Solidarity Pilgrimage: Connecting the Community

The meaning of the pilgrimage to St. Anna is to spread the work of Benediktus among people. Volunteers will help to prepare and implement an event. The pilgrimage starts with Holy Mass and includes food and drink stalls, countless games for children, live music, theatre and much more. The work tasks will include mowing and raking grass, carrying things, setting up tents, tables and benches, cleaning, cooking, baking, frying, accompanying people with disabilities at work and in their free time, attending community meetings, selling products, making banners or doing face painting. The work will not be physically demanding and does not require any previous experience. Volunteers may prepare a workshop of their own (about their culture or any other ideas are welcome). Most of the work will be carried out outside, please, bring adequate boots and clothes that can get dirty and a raincoat.

Accommodation for volunteers is located in the Benediktus complex in Modletin in the building of the former spa. It is a large attic room with a shower, two toilets and a kitchen. Volunteers will sleep on mattresses with sheets but bring your own sleeping bag. There is WIFI and a washing machine. Food will be provided by Benediktus (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and good coffee). By prior arrangement, volunteers can also cook for themselves in the kitchen in their accommodation. We welcome volunteers who want to participate in the preparation of Czech dishes or cook dishes from their countries.

Location: The Benediktus community is located in the picturesque village of Modletin, between the villages of Horni Bradlo and Rusinov, in the heart of the Iron Mountains. The area consists of historically significant buildings, which Benediktus reconstructs and uses for activities such as housing, work and cultural activities. The complex has a timbered fruit dryer, orchard and vegetable garden. Everywhere in the village there is good phone coverage, nevertheless, the village is small so there are no services such as ATMs or pharmacies. Leisure time: Modletin is located in the heart of the protected landscape area of the Iron Mountains that offers a wide range of activities: hiking, swimming in a nearby dam, mushroom picking, sightseeing in the area (castles, chateaux, historic villages, geomorphological formations, natural monuments), cultural events (concerts, exhibitions, openings). In the area of Benediktus it is also possible to play sports. Study part: As part of the pilgrimage, there will be a meeting with the general public and the volunteers will have the opportunity to present their culture, either in the form of theatre, fun games for children or making typical food. Other Czech and foreign volunteers also take part in the pilgrimage, with whom there will be an opportunity not only to work but also to spend free time together. During the project, volunteers have a unique opportunity to learn about the life and work of people with and without disabilities in the L'Arche community.