Hamlets of soft grass for resting, forests of eucalyptus trees provide endless stretches of shade, cool gentle breezes push us up hills, ancient stone buildings conjure up history of centuries gone by, the brooks and streams entice aching feet to be soothed, birds and frogs serenade with music, crumbling churches contain amazing interiors and beckon the weary pilgrims to stay and pray.

Each day of the Camino begins in the same way: breakfast together, prepare the backpack for the day, and prayers of gratitude and special intentions. The road is the same for each pilgrim but the pace is different and our companions may change daily. Our guide, Maria, is a blessing as she encourages us mile after mile. We lift our voices in prayer together as we say The Rosary and The Way of the Cross.

"God is awesome! All around us He is there. We experience his majesty in the flora and fauna. Everyone on The Way is friendly and we are connected on the one journey." CtR Pilgrim

"God's blessings are greater than we deserve; we see this in today's walk... In the fields and in the trees and in the friends we meet and in the daily struggles of the Camino."~ CtR parishioner

We have arrived in Spain. 6,838 miles, three planes, two buses, 18,000+ steps, two lost days! Our Camino has begun with plenty of sitting and riding too much some would say. We are going to use it as motivation to get us walking 25 km tomorrow from Sarria to Portomarin. Lord knows, the extra push won't hurt...

On June 23, a small group of parishioners from CtR will embark on a walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compestela in Spain. The Camino de Santiago, more commonly known as The Way, is a historic pilgrimage route to the shrine of the Apostle St. James where his remains were buried after being carried by boat from Jerusalem after he was martyred.