El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage

Short Program Description:

Through The University of Scranton’s El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage, participants travel to San Salvador and learn about historical events with the goal of inspiring a greater devotion to “the service of faith and the promotion of justice.” The stories of St. Oscar Romero and the Jesuit Martyrs of Universidad Centroamericana are given particular attention throughout the trip. In coordination with the organization CRISPAZ, pilgrims visit relevant historical sites, hear lectures about Salvadoran history and learn context for these events, and spend time with local communities working for peace and justice.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

1. Immersion in histories and communities that have been influential and inspirational among Jesuit educators working for peace and justice (what one pilgrim referred to as a deepened “contextualization” of educators’ work).

2. Community-building among program participants (within and between the annual cohorts).

3. Build significant “buy-in” for The Jesuit Center’s work.

How long does it take to complete the program?: Other

Further Details on Completing Program: Monthly meetings from November to January, in addition to the 7-day pilgrimage in January.

Total Program Length: Three months (November-January)

Key University/Other Partners: CRISPAZ; Dr. Michael Allison

Funding Source(s): The Jesuit Center at The University of Scranton

Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Travel Expenses Paid

Program Material 1: 2026 El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage Application

Program Material 2: 2025 El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage Itinerary

Program Material 3: El Salvador Educational Pilgrimage Reading List

Lessons Learned:

While the feedback from past groups has been universally positive, no specific lessons are yet available to share.