A Discussion Of MacLaine’s Latest Voyage

SOUTHBURY — The Camino: The Journey of The Spirit has it all: Christian pilgrims, pilgrimmages, a description of travels through northern Spain, along the Santiago de Compostela. On Monday, September 11, sociologist Dr Alex Westfield will lead a discussion of Shirley MacLaine’s latest book at Southbury Public Library.

Known as the Camino, the Santiago de Compostela Camino is a famous pilgrimage that has been undertaken by people for centuries across northern Spain. It is said that the 500-mile path lies directly under the Milky Way and that it reflects the energy of the star systems above it.

Facing her sixth decade of life on earth, the writer and actor Shirley MacLaine decided to go on this trek. She wasn’t sure why, she only knew the Camino had been traveled for thousands of years by “saints, sinners, generals, misfits, kings and queens. It is done by the intent to find one’s deepest spiritual meaning and resolutions regarding conflicts in Self.”

Typical of MacLaine, The Camino is a personal story with enormous adventure, a smattering of flashbacks, and a hefty serving of cosmic revelations. Like a true pilgrim, MacLaine traveled solo, willing to strip herself down to the backpacking essentials and find deeper meaning in all the bizarre, frightening and coincidental events she encountered along the way.

The program at Southbury’s library will begin at 2 pm. All are invited, free of charge. Participants do not have to have read the book in order to participate and enjoy the discussion.

Southbury Public Library is at 561 Main Street South. For additional information, call Hilja Wescott, 264-1716, or Lois Wolsch, 262-6123.