“My Pilgrimage,” Deacon Mike
El Camino - The Spanish word ‘El Camino’ means ‘the way’. I’m currently walking the Camino de Santiago, aka ‘The Way of St. James’. It’s a 500-mile walk across northern Spain to the tomb of St. James. This pilgrimage is at least 1000 years old, with hundreds of thousands of people walking it every year.
Why? Nowadays, many people just do it for adventure or bragging rights, but it began as an ascetic practice to come closer to God. By taking on the hard physical activity and often barren landscape for that many miles, it can lead to a life-changing spiritual experience. Imagine for yourself what it would be like to disconnect from your job, computer, phone, endless-to-do-list... It’s like a 30+ day retreat, which allows you to pray, reflect, and experi- ence a simpler life, which hopefully will make one a better person.
Why am I personally doing it? If I’m honest, the adventure of it makes my heart jump – to go where so many have gone and experience the ‘culture’ of the Camino beckons me. However, I also KNOW that for many people this is life-changing, and I want to open myself up to that life change. I don’t have specific expectations, but plan to in- vite the Holy Spirit to work on me for those days.
The hardest part will be the torture of the feet... that many miles every day will likely punish my feet in ways I’ve never experienced. Also – the heat this time of year will be a challenge. However, anything worth doing has its associated sacrifices, so I’m praying God will help me to cope.
In the middle of the Camino, at its highest point, is the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). Surrounding this cross is a HUGE pile of rocks and other paraphernalia. It’s tradition for pilgrims to carry a rock from the beginning in St. Jean pie de Port, France to this point. The rock represents your burdens. Each pilgrim leaves his burdens at the cross and offers prayers of petition. I’ll be carrying at least five rocks – one for myself, one for my wife, two or more for friends, and one for our parish in general...therefore, I’ll be carrying YOU with me.
If time and technology allow, I’ll plan to post a few pictures and reflections on our parish website Blog along the way. Hopefully I’ll get to experience Mass in the Cathedral of Santiago. (google ‘incense santiago’ to see the most amazing incense thurible in the world!)
Please pray for the safety, health, and the revelation of the Holy Spirit for me and my three walking buddies. I will be offering prayers constantly throughout this pilgrimage for St. Isidore Parish.
