Sunday, September 11, 2016

Getting Closer

So, today we made our way from Madrid to Zaragoza, Spain where we stopped into the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de Pilar. St. James as he was making his way west was getting tired and disheartened. Our Blessed Mother appeared to him on top of a pillar (which you can reverence today) to encourage him on his mission. After this visit and a lunch we hit the road again, this time to Roncesvalles, Spain near the border with France. Our hotel is an old Monastery and is right next door to the Abbey Church that was built in the 13th Century. We were blessed to celebrate the pilgrims Mass there. Tomorrow we head to St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to begin our actual walking of the Camino de Santiago. The route we take depends heavily on the weather. If you have seen the movie, The Way, you will realize that this is where the story begins with Daniel's death. Don't worry, we will listen to the weather reports. The journey is largely up hill, so prayers would definitely be appreciated!

All in our group seem excited. I must admit, intellectually I know that this is going to be difficult and at times (I am sure more frequently than I would expect) it is going to be painful. However, I have a sense of great joy and anticipation. I am beginning to wonder if my poor legs don't fully understand the gravity of the situation! That being said, it is after 10:00, breakfast is at 7:00 and we have a long walk tomorrow. Please continue to pray for us as we carry you in our prayers on the Camino tomorrow!
Buen Camino!
Fr. Jason

Saturday, September 10, 2016

So, in looking at my blog page, it seems that I have not posted anything since 2012. Can we call 4 years a distraction?  Anyway, as I was trying to figure out how I was going to invite people to share in this pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, I thought I would revive the old blog. So, I please pardon me while I dust this off!

We have arrived safely in Madrid and checked into the hotel just about a short 10-15 minute ride from the airport. While on the train we met another pilgrim from L.A. He had walked the 500 miles last year and is preparing to do it again this year. Though we will only be doing about 180 miles of the journey, I have no doubt it will effect us profoundly.

As I customarily do, when I travel overseas I load up my iPad with movies for the flight, this time I only made it through one. I watched The Way. Knowing that I was going to spend the next sew weeks  on the Camino, it struck me even more deeply than I expected and gave me a moment of prayer and reflection, thanking God for this opportunity. It is my intention to carry the prayers and intercessions of you all with us as we journey. Please keep us in your prayers! Until we set off, Buen Camino!