cassock/soutane/habit

[aprilnight]

Hi!
Is here somebody who went on Camino in the cassock or knows somebody who made a success of it or on Camino could see somebody so? I am searching for any information whether it is physically feasible I'll be so thankful!
Weronika

 

[oursonpolaire]

The closest I have seen was an Australian wearing a Franciscan friar's habit on the Aragonese in 2005. I chatted with him for a few minutes and he seemed very much focused on its importance (there are a few points on the Sanguesa-Monreal stretch specifically associated with S Francis). As far as practicality, it would like be most uncomfortable in heavy rain, as the fabric would get very heavy (and likely very very muddy). A cincture would be handy to hike up the skirts when ascending and descending slopes, as well as on very messy trails.

Of all of the clergy (including three bishops) I know who have walked the Camino, they all wore hiking gear-- one packed a stole to hear confessions (nobody took him up on it). While in favour of cassock-wearing in general, this is one place where I am not sure that I see the point of it.

 

[aprilnight]

Thanks a lot! Which time of year did you see that Franciscan? Me and my friend are going to go in August and we are afraid of high temperatures... Muddy and raind aren't problems
You see there must be a point - maybe some spiritual or sth, I'm just a normal girl, he is going to be a priest. He want to feel it more than he will in normal clothes. Maybe to understand that we have wear it in general? I don't know... (sorry for my english)

 

[oursonpolaire]

This was in September on the Aragonese but I think it safe to say that there will be rain at some point in Galicia, and he will have kilos of mud on the hem of his cassock. Or maybe not. As far as heat goes, if the cassock is cotton or a fine light wool, it might even be cooler (I have clergy friends who tell me that this is so, and certainly in North Africa the jellabah/galabea seems to serve as a practical garment in very hot weather).

My advice, for what it's worth, is to tell him to forget the cassock. In theory, it is the normal streetwear of the clergy, equivalent to a business suit, and I have yet to see anyone in a business suit and tie on the Camino. I do not want to sound offensive, but I do not know if doctors feel more medical if they wear a white coat on the Camino, or if lawyers feel more professional in gown and bands. My advice (which he can ignore if he wishes) is that If he wants to feel more priestly, he should carefully say his offices (for Anglicans, matins and vespers; for RCs, their breviary) every day and look for ways of being of service to others along the route. He should perhaps seek the opinion of his spiritual adviser or mentor to get some ideas which would be tailored to him and his needs.

The several clergy I have met on the Camino told me that they found it a very welcome place where they could re-examine their vocations within a spiritual environment but without a spiritual structure around them, and they found it freeing when they could be seekers along with the others.

 

[PadreTeeJay]

As a to be Anglican priest, sitting the airport about to depart, I packed hiking clothes. My Book of Common Prayer and Bible are on my Kindle for praying the offices.

I met with my spiritual director before departing to focus my prayer life and reflection pre-Camino, I would assume your friend has someone similar. Good luck and may grace and peace be with you both.