Buen Camino: Updates from El Camino
Members of our parish have traveled to Spain to hike El Camino, an ancient Christian pilgrimage. As they walk and pray, our pilgrims will be sending daily updates, all of which will be shared here. Please keep them in your prayers, as they pray for us.
27 September 2025
We spent the day in Santiago, beginning with the Pilgrim's Mass at the Cathedral. After exploring the Cathedral, seeing the tomb of St. James and hugging his statue from behind the main altar. We had time to walk around the city with cobblestone streets, bakeries, cafés, and little shops. We finished with dinner and an evening Mass with the presentation of the Compostela to each pilgrim. Our pilgrimage is truly not ending here but challenging us to begin anew when we return.
Refreshed and awakened, we are grateful for the privilege of walking together with the Lord and each other. Buen Camino!
26 September 2025
We had a long, hot walk, but the anticipation of reaching Santiago kept us going. Walking, cycling, and horseback-riding pilgrims all converged on the cathedral. The moment we saw the cathedral brought tears to our eyes, and we joined hundreds of pilgrims in gratitude for the journey just beginning. Santiago is bursting with pilgrims of all ages, and we feel blessed to be here and look forward to the Pilgrim's Mass tomorrow morning.
25 September 2025
Walking in silence today brought renewed appreciation for the sounds of nature, footsteps, and the breeze. As we each tried to listen for God's voice in the silence, we meditated on Jesus saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." We were blessed to find Catholics from Ireland and South Africa who joined us for Mass. Now in Rua, we are about 13 miles from Santiago!
24 September 2025
This was a day for rest, reflection, and blister healing. Our morning began with a rosary and special Camino mysteries of the rosary a la Fr. Brian. We had the rest of the day to explore Arzua and take quiet time, then meet back for a sharing session and Mass. Dinner tonight included seafood (octopus is a local specialty) and the creamy cheese for which this region is famous. We are well-fed pilgrims, ready for a long day of walking tomorrow!
23 September 2025
Today we had an easy 9-mile trek to Azura, and we all slowed down to enjoy the lush countryside and talk to fellow pilgrims. We met a few Catholic groups. Mass was at the hotel, and paella was the big hit for dinner.
22 September 2025
Today we walked only 9 miles to Melide--thankfully without rain. We had time to rest and wash clothes in the afternoon. Lots of pilgrims here! Our Mass tonight was around a table, reminiscent of the Last Supper; and it gave us a whole new perspective.
21 September 2025
We survived our longest abd toughest day, covering over 15 miles. We're in a beautiful rural hotel, and we celebrated Mass on the Feast of St. Matthew outdoors. The intentions are being carried every day, and we're praying for our beloved parish family! We're meeting fellow pilgrims all along the way. There is wonderful comraderie among all those walking.
20 September 2025
Beautiful day today walking the Spanish countryside in Galicia, much of which is farmland. The whole day was full of surprises. We met so many pilgrims, all of whom are very friendly. There is a strong sense of community among the peregrinos, our fellow pilgrims. We covered 13.6 miles today and celebrated Mass overlooking a river valley. Dinner included scallops, octopus, and Galician beef.
19 September 2025
We arrived safely in Sarria, ready to start walking tomorrow! Right next door to the hotel is an old chapel/hospital that was used to treat lepers. We celebrated Mass in front of the chapel, ate a huge meal and hit the hay. All of the intentions of the parish are traveling with us every mile.
