"What do orange water, coal dust and American chestnut tree seedlings have to do with Pope Francis' Encyclical Letter Laudato Si ? Join us from August 3 - 6 on our annual immersion trip / pilgrimage to the holy land of Appalachia to find out. We spend 4 days in the eastern Kentucky region of Appalachia learning about the natural and human ecology there, including the effects of extraction industries on the land and the people. We'll also meet and learn from those local grass roots activists who work to restore the health of God's creation. 

Immersion Trip includes:

• Pre-trip orientation
• On-site introduction to the cultural, economic, and spiritual realities in Appalachia from leaders of the community
• Areas demonstrating the effects of mining, and mining reclamation
• Practical simplicity: living off of the grid
• Opportunities to learn from community redevelopment projects
• Visit to a church inspired health clinic which treats the uninsured of the region
• Post trip debriefing and reflection

Estimated costs: $500.00 - includes room, breakfasts, lunches and transportation.  Dinners are the responsibility of the participants.  We will begin the trip in Lexington, KY and travel through the nearby Appalachian region.  Participants are responsible for their travel to and from Lexington, KY.

To learn more about Maryknoll's Immersion Program of discovery and encounter, be sure to watch our video and read reflections from others at https://www.maryknoll.us/home/mission-trips

For general information regarding Maryknoll immersion trips including the requirements to participate and what will be expected if you application is accepted visit:

Immersion Trip Participation Requirements 

For more information contact:

Deacon Paul Bork | Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers | pbork@maryknoll.org or 716-796-8919