BarbyLivie
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- April 28-May 14, 2018
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@Aptrail Thanks for sharing so beautifully. Humbling and encouraging to hear of the effect of a homily. I will keep you in prayer in the coming weeks as I move towards Rome, as you do to SdC. I'm on walkingtim.com Buen Camino. TGreat question Barby! 'While I am not Catholic, I was able to attend mass 14 times of the 26 days it took me to walk from SJPP to Santiago. One of those times was in a church that was part of the English speaking mission to the Camino. I left in tears after being moved by the homily. And, that experience was part of what led me to go from the Camino to Costa Rica to volunteer for a year. The other thing that I like to do is set a meditation timer on my phone and sit for 15 minutes of silence each day. I did that in open churches as well as in open and natural settings. It was quite rich. I am going back next week and plan to do the same as I am able. Hope it is giving you all you need. Buen Camino.
Whenever a church is open - and I agree it is less often than you'd wish - take 10 mins there. Surprisingly often on the CF you'll find an evening Mass in a sizeable village - about 3 nights in 4 I reckon. In my experience, as a walking (Catholic) priest, always a special welcome for pilgrims. Likewise on Sundays listen of for church bells. I found Mass a few times this way. If you're with someone - try walking together in silence for the first half hour morning and afternoon. I have seen and experienced this in various contexts and people find it powerful. I don't know which route you plan but there are a good number of monasteries and convents along the way. With and without accommodation but you'll always be welcome for morning or evening prayers. Some very special monastery / convent stays. You'll find plenty of threads. I'm walking from Canterbury to Rome right now. Buen Camino.
Father - thank you so much for these thoughts! I will be doing the Camino Primitivo starting April 28th and will listen for the bells! I will have some solitude and look forward to it. Buen Camino!Whenever a church is open - and I agree it is less often than you'd wish - take 10 mins there. Surprisingly often on the CF you'll find an evening Mass in a sizeable village - about 3 nights in 4 I reckon. In my experience, as a walking (Catholic) priest, always a special welcome for pilgrims. Likewise on Sundays listen of for church bells. I found Mass a few times this way. If you're with someone - try walking together in silence for the first half hour morning and afternoon. I have seen and experienced this in various contexts and people find it powerful. I don't know which route you plan but there are a good number of monasteries and convents along the way. With and without accommodation but you'll always be welcome for morning or evening prayers. Some very special monastery / convent stays. You'll find plenty of threads. I'm walking from Canterbury to Rome right now. Buen Camino.
Thank you, Aptrail - and Buen Camino!Great question Barby! 'While I am not Catholic, I was able to attend mass 14 times of the 26 days it took me to walk from SJPP to Santiago. One of those times was in a church that was part of the English speaking mission to the Camino. I left in tears after being moved by the homily. And, that experience was part of what led me to go from the Camino to Costa Rica to volunteer for a year. The other thing that I like to do is set a meditation timer on my phone and sit for 15 minutes of silence each day. I did that in open churches as well as in open and natural settings. It was quite rich. I am going back next week and plan to do the same as I am able. Hope it is giving you all you need. Buen Camino.
I did Primitivo a couple of years ago and loved every step. Not so many (formal) services on that route. I will keep you in mind. I'm on walkingtim.com Buen Camino TimFather - thank you so much for these thoughts! I will be doing the Camino Primitivo starting April 28th and will listen for the bells! I will have some solitude and look forward to it. Buen Camino!
Blessings on you and for your journey, Father.Whenever a church is open - and I agree it is less often than you'd wish - take 10 mins there. Surprisingly often on the CF you'll find an evening Mass in a sizeable village - about 3 nights in 4 I reckon. In my experience, as a walking (Catholic) priest, always a special welcome for pilgrims. Likewise on Sundays listen of for church bells. I found Mass a few times this way. If you're with someone - try walking together in silence for the first half hour morning and afternoon. I have seen and experienced this in various contexts and people find it powerful. I don't know which route you plan but there are a good number of monasteries and convents along the way. With and without accommodation but you'll always be welcome for morning or evening prayers. Some very special monastery / convent stays. You'll find plenty of threads. I'm walking from Canterbury to Rome right now. Buen Camino.
Spirituality is a broad church, (no humour intended). I found my first Camino to be very spiritual. I'm not Catholic but I met people who were, and others who had their own reasons for walking: the Falklands veteran carrying a rosary and seeking atonement for his actions of 30 years earlier, a widow grieving her recently-departed husband, the lady trying to come to terms with her disastrous relationship with her father. Like you I respected a thousand years of people walking the route before me. And enjoyed the solitude and companionship, the history and the rural tranquility. Sitting alone in the darkened church at Eunate, and later pointing-out the wild thyme to the German tour group that arrived and walked the final couple of kilometres into Puente la Reina. The second Camino wearing a pink ribbon on my hat for a friend diagnosed with breast cancer, and reassuring another friend back home on subsequent Camino who was similarly diagnosed subsequent to my departure. I didn't intend to embark on a spiritual journey, but that is now for me a large part of the Camino. (Suicide make a shocking interjection into my life only last Friday, by the way: the daughter of a colleague.)I maybe going completely off the rails for the OP but I am sorry because we all have different reasons for being on the Camino and IMHO being a Catholic is not important at all.
Somewhat like Viriani (VNwalking) I spend the day in mediation while I walk.
I don't chant or pray or recite the rosary.
My entire Camino is spent in contemplation and personal feelings about my day and things bigger than life, nature and the Camino spirit(uality.)
I stop into churches along the way and get down on my knees to pray for my daughter who I lost to a suicide in 2010.
I try to breathe in the history from each village and count the centuries they have endured since Roman dominance and think about how really very short life is for each of us.
This is excellent - gracias!At the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
Wonderful advice - thank you!!!I'm Protestant but chose the Camino precisely because it originated as (and still is) a Christian route. And my reason for walking was to grieve. But although I had intended to do a lot of active prayer and intercession and Bible reading on the Way, I did a lot less than I had anticipated.
I did, however, take time to stop in churches along the way to just have a quiet moment to lift up praise and worship within the walls of buildings that had seen thousands of hearts reach out to God and call Him Lord. I walked the Norte and so often the view would just take my breath away, and almost always I would take a moment just then to practice gratitude and thank the One who made it all. I experienced hundreds of "kisses from heaven", something beautiful or mystical or 'serendipitous' that touched my soul and either only meant something to me or that only I saw. When I met people who really touched or helped me, I would take time to pray for them when we parted ways, sometimes with them and sometimes on my own. I used the opportunities presented to me to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and my testimony with people along the way, some of which had never heard what Christians believe, which was also a wonderful way to remind myself of God's love and grace and goodness. I sang songs of worship whenever they came to me, even if there were others present - some were old hymns, some more contemporary, but they ministered to God and He ministered to me and through me in those moments. 'Amazing Grace' became almost an anthem for me and it was both the first song I sang in desperation on the Camino and my song of peace, my Selah, when I reached Finisterre. I would read scripture some nights before bed off my phone and often bits of it would come back to me the next day or a few days later that I could 'chew' on. I let myself laugh or cry when the emotions rose in my heart and I shared them with the Lover of my soul, my Father, my Saviour, my Creator and my Redeemer - the One who came up with the whole idea of emotion and thought and reaction.
I guess my point is that I found that not being too regimented about it helped me to connect with God and keep it a spiritual journey. I can only recall a few times in my life when I felt closer to God than I did before I reached Santiago.
Wow I have just read the most important preparation advice for my upcoming first camino walkAt the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
At the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
Dave, thank you for sharing how you prepare every day. Your memorised prayer cannot fail to be the best compass. I will copy it. I doubt if I have the capacity to memorise it, but it will be on my phone for reference at any time, in my everyday Camino of life.At the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
I agree, Jane. Buen Camino & Vaya con Dios.Wow I have just read the most important preparation advice for my upcoming first camino walk
Beautiful
Jane
I too am a Catholic, and my four Caminos and the entire Via Francigena have been for spiritual/religious motivations. There is time for prayer and reflections, and I always took people's prayer intentions with me and prayed every day for them. However, I think Christ requires us to turn outward as well as inward on these journeys. He is there in other people, so we should be open to that. I think "see Christ in other people; be Christ to other people" covers it. Sorry to sound pious...but you asked! PS have fun as well _ Jesus did.I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
This reminds me of the following:I too am a Catholic, and my four Caminos and the entire Via Francigena have been for spiritual/religious motivations. There is time for prayer and reflections, and I always took people's prayer intentions with me and prayed every day for them. However, I think Christ requires us to turn outward as well as inward on these journeys. He is there in other people, so we should be open to that. I think "see Christ in other people; be Christ to other people" covers it. Sorry to sound pious...but you asked! PS have fun as well _ Jesus did.
1000 likes.One day God said to me: Today I will bring you into the most secret sanctuary of the Temple, the very Heart of God. And he was led into the Land of Laughter.
Not at all! I believe the meditation is part of it - but a servant’s Heart is what I will be praying for, too. What hope, joy, happiness can I bring to those whose paths I cross and what can I learn from them. Thanks for your notes!I too am a Catholic, and my four Caminos and the entire Via Francigena have been for spiritual/religious motivations. There is time for prayer and reflections, and I always took people's prayer intentions with me and prayed every day for them. However, I think Christ requires us to turn outward as well as inward on these journeys. He is there in other people, so we should be open to that. I think "see Christ in other people; be Christ to other people" covers it. Sorry to sound pious...but you asked! PS have fun as well _ Jesus did.
Laughter, indeed! Love it!This reminds me of the following:
The Master was in a good mood, so the disciples asked him what steps he had taken in the search for divinity.
He told them that he had first passed into the Land of Action, where he had stayed for some years.
He moved on to the Land of Affliction, and there he remained till his heart had been purified of all inordinate affection.
He then passed into the Land of Love, and whatever remained of his egotism was consumed by the burning flames of Love.
Thus he reached the Land of Silence, where he saw before his eyes all the mysteries of life and death.
The disciples asked if that was the end of his search.
No, he replied.
One day God said to me: Today I will bring you into the most secret sanctuary of the Temple, the very Heart of God. And he was led into the Land of Laughter.
Beautiful, inspirational words which I will take with me in September when myself and four friends will be walking from Tui to Santiago. God bless you. Buen Camino xAt the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
Tim I am really enjoying your blog on your current journey. Will try to follow when I am out on mine. Hope all continues to go well for you.Whenever a church is open - and I agree it is less often than you'd wish - take 10 mins there. Surprisingly often on the CF you'll find an evening Mass in a sizeable village - about 3 nights in 4 I reckon. In my experience, as a walking (Catholic) priest, always a special welcome for pilgrims. Likewise on Sundays listen of for church bells. I found Mass a few times this way. If you're with someone - try walking together in silence for the first half hour morning and afternoon. I have seen and experienced this in various contexts and people find it powerful. I don't know which route you plan but there are a good number of monasteries and convents along the way. With and without accommodation but you'll always be welcome for morning or evening prayers. Some very special monastery / convent stays. You'll find plenty of threads. I'm walking from Canterbury to Rome right now. Buen Camino.
I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
jflorez, buen camino. trust yourself, and the camino will open up for what you are meant to receive from it. when you remember, laugh!Thank you for asking this question. I had yet to see any questions focus on the spiritual, religious aspect of this journey. Which, is ok. I hold no expectations of why anyone else is walking. I only know my reasons. But, like you, I am looking at this as a spiritual journey, as a Catholic yearning for a connection to a greater meaning than just a physical challenge. I will be carrying a rosary that was blessed by Pope Francis at the Vatican, and one which I hold dear as it was a gift. I will be reflecting and praying for forgiveness for anyone whom I have trespassed against, and praying for family and friends. I am actually walking the Camino Frances starting this Sunday, the 29th, and also hoping to attend Mass as often as I can along the way, but I am also trying to let go of my modern need to attempt to control every little thing and instead take each day as the joyous gift that it is, grateful that I am able to take the time to do this.
Buen Camino!
I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
in a church that was part of the English speaking mission to the Camino. I left in tears after being moved by the homily. And, that experience was part of what led me to go from the Camino to Costa Rica to volunteer for a year. .
This is so beautiful. Thank you.At the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
That is powerful. I love it. Thank youAt the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
I walked Barcelona to Rome a few years ago. I was fortunate enough to attend a mass in a church in Torino where the priest gave such a moving homily I can still remember it. (I don't speak Italian, but I didn't need to - the Holy Spirit interpreted everything.)Whenever a church is open - and I agree it is less often than you'd wish - take 10 mins there. Surprisingly often on the CF you'll find an evening Mass in a sizeable village - about 3 nights in 4 I reckon. In my experience, as a walking (Catholic) priest, always a special welcome for pilgrims. Likewise on Sundays listen of for church bells. I found Mass a few times this way. If you're with someone - try walking together in silence for the first half hour morning and afternoon. I have seen and experienced this in various contexts and people find it powerful. I don't know which route you plan but there are a good number of monasteries and convents along the way. With and without accommodation but you'll always be welcome for morning or evening prayers. Some very special monastery / convent stays. You'll find plenty of threads. I'm walking from Canterbury to Rome right now. Buen Camino.
Don't be concerned with planning. You'll be led. Six years after my Camino Catalan, I still suffer from PTSD (post-transcendental stress disorder). All I can recommend is lots of quiet time. Your intention for "prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries" is exactly on the mark. God bless.I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
My reaction is to say "Aren't you blessed to walk this lovely Camino as a --------" Yes, you are.Aren't you blessed to walk this lovely Camino as a Catholic....it has a special meaning for us. It's our history.
My first Camino (2015), during the harder walks, I identified "Mea Culpa Mountains". I said a special prayer for people I had wronged -- hurt or been insensitive to. My pilgrimage had a penitential aspect. We also met a physically challenged pilgrim, who when someone tried to help with his burden said, "I am offering up my suffering". Sacramental suffering can be a beautiful and focused prayer.
But it's not all about the challenges -- it's also a walk of beauty and gratitude. I often listen to chant music or the Rosary.
Have a blessed pilgrimage -- you're joining a powerful group of other pilgrims who have been doing this with a spiritual purpose for over 1000 years!
Gracias Senor. Peace be with you.At the beginning of each day after I have put my pack together and am ready to walk, I leave the accommodation and go off to a quiet spot. There I spend a bit of time prepare my physical and spiritual being for the day ahead.
For the physical side, I will engage in stretching my legs, arms, shoulders, back, and feet. For my spiritual side, I will meditate on Jesus, read a quick passage from Psalms, and pray. My focus is about preparing for a day ahead filled with people, and all that such contact and interaction will bring.
Then, as I take my first steps on Camino, I recite this memorized writing (Max Lucado) quietly to myself:
Quote
It’s quiet. It’s early. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met. For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice.
Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love. No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy. I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical… the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace. I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience. I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite Him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness. I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness. I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness. Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness. Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control. I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If (and when) I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
UnQuote
I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
Peace be with you on your pilgrimage Barby. May I invite you to pray this prayer of St. Francis ( that he actually pray this a lot). When Francis was discerning God's will.
Take rosary or any prayer beads will do. Try to walk at two hours by yourself if it's all possible ... Use this prayer as a mantra as you walk.The pray goes like this " who are you, Lord my God, Who am I? ....." Try to have the beads in one hand between your index finger and thumb.When you finish one verse then move to the next bead etc. Or if it's too difficult ...just pray the prayer without beads when you are walking. Although if you have the beads in your when are praying another pilgrim won't think you've been on the Camino to long and you mumbling to yourselfWhen you stop for a break or before you start in the morning and or the evening. You can't pray this too much. Silence is the key.
I'm a spiritual Direction most of the folks find it very powerful. Anyway, I hope this is useful? I will hold you in my prayers. Buen Camino
I'll second @Bogong's recommendation about John's book. It's a collection of brief (one or two pages) reflections -- very easy to read and many of the reflections are quite meaningful....
PS Try to get hold of a copy of John Rafferty’s book which is a chronology of the experiences of a range of people of different faiths.
Hi BarbiI have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
My wife and I set pray intentions every morning before our walk, to focus on during the day, and start walking with a Hail Mary and an Our Father. We'd stop at stop at small chapels and churches along the Way for a break and quiet prayer. But, as many have unfortunately said, don't expect a lot of open churches or frequent Mass opportunities. We did the Primitivo over Holy Week 2017 and it was tough to find Masses. Good luck and Buen Camino!I have searched but not yet found how people have planned for this spiritual journey. I am Catholic - and this pilgrimmage originated as a Christian journey. I don’t want to go on this walk being distracted - but hope to focus on prayer, petition, getting closer to God through the history of the thousands who have gone before for centuries. I visited with my priest who suggested I read the gospels at very least & the New Testament in total if possible - lectio divino and meditation on the Word. He suggested having a list of people/intentions for which to pray. Any other suggestions out there? Ideas that worked to enrich your walk for greater spiritual benefit? Thank you!
One beautiful thing about the Mass is that it is the same all over the world. I attended many on the Camino and was able to participate in spite of it being in Spanish. I am looking forward to doing the same this summer in Italy.I walked Barcelona to Rome a few years ago. I was fortunate enough to attend a mass in a church in Torino where the priest gave such a moving homily I can still remember it. (I don't speak Italian, but I didn't need to - the Holy Spirit interpreted everything.)
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