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I understand exactly why you are asking this and I think you are very brave to voice itThere are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
Every now and then the topic of pilgrim v adventure & faith v secular comes along but I personally don’t see it as a bad thing, it can be a discussion that allows us to understand those who walk with us on the path, we will walk together, eat together and laugh together for very different reasons and that’s a good thing, if we show each other love and respect then whatever our reason for putting one foot in front of the other we can do it together and help each other reach our goal mi amigos.Long term members will know this is an hazardous topic. Offense easily given and often taken. Please remember that we are as they on the roads to Santiago. No-one owns those roads, there are no rules. As the good Bishop said “God does not count your steps, nor Santiago weigh your pack. Look to your heart pilgrim for why you walk this road”.
A big London pub is mainstream and accessible to the masses. I never had any problem about being alone in one. I simply didn't project I wanted or needed company. I was there for the beer. Same as Camino. I prefer my own company, do not look for family, avoid where possible communal meals. I let life happen as it will and do not label myself or others. I believe , most of the time, I am spiritual, but wordsmith I may be , but cannot define that eitherTo your question, is it still a pilgrimage? I think, for many, it is certainly. But the world has shrunk with cheap flights and social media. People want everything. 'The Camino' as the media puts it, has been laid bare and I do wonder, that it's so accessible now, it has become mainstream to the masses.
But it's still there for all of us, it's up to us as individuals to give what we will or take what we need from it.
BrilliantI have reconsidered my hasty earlier pronouncement on the subject, which might in retrospect have been perceived as somewhat judgemental.
On matters such as the conflict between pilgrimage and tourism where religeous and secular perspectives may conflict then I feel it best to rely on the deeply held views of the late Father James (Jack) Hackett - mentor and spiritual guide to the sadly deceased Father Edward Crilly, latterly of Craggy Island - and conclude that this is, without doubt, an ecumenical matter.
I completely agree.I think the concept of pilgrimage is expansive. I presume everyone on trail I meet is a pilgrim unless they specifically tell me it’s their preference to think of it differently
Omg.And, of course, there is bound to be some suffering on the way, too, essential to both Catholicism and modern fitness. So there's something for everyone, really.
I feel the same. I don't like to enquire of others I meet as to why they are walking the Way - but this often comes out on both sides in the natural flow of conversation and I appreciate it if the other pilgrim / walker wishes to share their thoughts. The reasons are many and varied - sometimes surprising and frequently touching and humbling. I've never heard anyone say 'because it's a cheap holiday / hiking trail'. And, even if that were the case ... their sentiments may well change somewhere along The Way. And perhaps that's the point.The motivations of others make no difference to me. And I'm still not sure of my motivation,
People who are looking for a "cheap holiday" generally aren't interested in walking 20-30 km a day!I've never heard anyone say 'because it's a cheap holiday'.
I walk the Camino for the "safe" adventure that it is, and because I can. I enjoy meeting people from different countries and cultures, the beautiful architecture of ancient cathedrals, the food and terrain.
While I can understand the reaction - and have also felt a bit 'irked' by some posts from time to time - it takes just a few memories of some of the wonderful people I've met on The Way to give myself a proverbial slap. The distance people are able to walk and what they are able to carry, where they choose to sleep and whether they need to skip stages, let alone why they’re walking can come down to so many factors.I confess to uncharitable thoughts about those who ask about skipping stages, avoiding 'boring bits', looking for better accommodation etc. There was even a poster on here a while back asking where exactly the 100 kilometre marker was so they could avoid walking any more than they absolutely had to. Seems these people do not understand the concept of pilgrimage or what the Camino is all about.
However, each to their own and maybe some of these people find something special or spiritual on their walk, even if it does not start out as a pilgrimage.
It seems to me to be a perfectly reasonable question to ask where the 100 km marker is, but I don't remember any poster ever expressing the reason quite like thatI confess to uncharitable thoughts... There was even a poster on here a while back asking where exactly the 100 kilometre marker was so they could avoid walking any more than they absolutely had to.
We all hear you and agree.Right now I just want to walk it again as it was. Could care less about the crowds, etc. I'd happily deal with all that again just to be able to walk it freely, without the nasty specter of a pandemic hanging over it.
But skipping stages doesn't mean it isn't a pilgrimage. Time constraints, and the wishes of two people blended together make skipping sometimes the best way to make the trip a pilgrimage for two, for both. One 5 time pilgrim, one first timer. Which Caminonwould you pick? Chime in and be helpful rather than silently steam and judge. This idea that one person is a pilgrim and another is not is not very pilgrim like, is it?There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
There's no right way or wrong way to any of this. The only requirement is that you walk (or ride a bike, or a horse) towards Santiago. And given that the Earth is a sphere, you can pick any direction you like and maybe eventually you will get there. Or not. The only person it matters to is you. If you take a car or a bus or a train or a boat or a plane to shorten the distance, or have a service carry your bag for you, that's between you and The Woman Upstairs, and, if I may be so bold, I would imagine this is not among the things She is very concerned about.But skipping stages doesn't mean it isn't a pilgrimage. Time constraints, and the wishes of two people blended together make skipping sometimes the best way to make the trip a pilgrimage for two, for both. One 5 time pilgrim, one first timer. Which Caminonwould you pick? Chime in and be helpful rather than silently steam and judge. This idea that one person is a pilgrim and another is not is not very pilgrim like, is it?
This year will be a pilgrimage for my late son Paul.Having walked parts of the Norte and French you do absorb the energy and faith from others.On previous walks you get to know yourself, the pain from blisters etc.This Camino will be different. No matter what we as a group will get my son and grandsons ashes to the cathedral. I can only say that it will be 'bloody mindless'.There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
Wishing you and your companions well, WillThis year will be a pilgrimage for my late son Paul.Having walked parts of the Norte and French you do absorb the energy and faith from others.On previous walks you get to know yourself, the pain from blisters etc.This Camino will be different. No matter what we as a group will get my son and grandsons ashes to the cathedral.
I’m not surprised to see the debate continue, as it depends so much on the optics of each commentator.I have reconsidered my hasty earlier pronouncement on the subject, which might in retrospect have been perceived as somewhat judgemental.
On matters such as the conflict between pilgrimage and tourism where religeous and secular perspectives may conflict then I feel it best to rely on the deeply held views of the late Father James (Jack) Hackett - mentor and spiritual guide to the sadly deceased Father Edward Crilly, latterly of Craggy Island - and conclude that this is, without doubt, an ecumenical matter.
Absolutely nothing!What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
I read this and then suddenly understood the reference and burst out laughing, it made my morning , although i think you might need to explain the reference to non uk members .I have reconsidered my hasty earlier pronouncement on the subject, which might in retrospect have been perceived as somewhat judgemental.
On matters such as the conflict between pilgrimage and tourism where religeous and secular perspectives may conflict then I feel it best to rely on the deeply held views of the late Father James (Jack) Hackett - mentor and spiritual guide to the sadly deceased Father Edward Crilly, latterly of Craggy Island - and conclude that this is, without doubt, an ecumenical matter.
I blame the "hipsters" they spoil everything. They turn everything into a dinner party humble brag...There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
It's what you make of it. For me it was a healing and closure type walk that was religious in context. I walked from SJPP to Santiago to place a memento on the altar from my youngest daughter that had passed away. For some it's a cheap hike. For others it's just something to do.There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I did the Frances and it was for spiritual reasons. But I also enjoy walking. Don’t see a problem with staying an extra day somewhere or skipping just industrial area walking. It is your Camino, and yours only. And it will teach you something and change you.Oh I’m torn in two with this one, I’m religious so I would firmly place myself in the pilgrimage group…but I’m also an avid walker who enjoys the views and the interesting people on the path so I can embrace those who walk for leisure and I applaud those who walk for their faith we all have a journey in life I just wouldn’t ever judge another’s journey because it’s different to mine. Buen camino mi amigos
That has often been my experience.People ask questions here in preparation for a journey they may not yet understand?
Lovely reflection...In my mind, a pilgrimage is simply a movement toward something...And that "something" may take some time to be revealed...Long term members will know this is an hazardous topic. Offense easily given and often taken. Please remember that we are as they on the roads to Santiago. No-one owns those roads, there are no rules. As the good Bishop said “God does not count your steps, nor Santiago weigh your pack. Look to your heart pilgrim for why you walk this road”.
I 'walked' the Camino many years ago - solitary, older, newly retired and searching for a better sense of myself. Even though I was/am Catholic, I found the Camino to be a very self-reflecting, meditative experience. I would say more of a spiritual experience as opposed to religious. (although it can't help but have deeply religious overtones!) Thank you.There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I blame the "hipsters" they spoil everything. They turn everything into a dinner party humble brag...
There are a lot of questions in your post. There are a lot of questions in all of us who walk the Camino. When I walked my Camino - Frances - last fall I brought questions, pain, longing with me. I bring those things when I walk to the grocery store or to the park or to the Metro too because I carry them in my heart. The only difference is that on the Camino, I'm not worrying about if i'm in time for the delivery service, or if the turkey in the park will chase me or if I forgot my Metro pass. On the Camino important questions were stripped down, purified, unavoidable. I did meet people who were "religious" in the conventional sense but the miracle is that even in an age when religion has lost a lot of its grip on most people, there is still the drive, the urge to search, to challenge oneself, to absorb beauty. The rewards? Contact with nature, the fragrance of history in villages and cathedral towns, the fellowship with other pilgrims. So, yes, a valid question. After all, something made me order the guidebook for the Camino Portugese!There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
Though all of @Kanga's reasons resonate with me, this one struck a particular cord. On the camino, when someone asks you "¿Qué haces?" 9 times out of 10 they are not asking you what do you do for a living, they are just asking you what you're doing. In the US, at least, it is frequently hard to detach whatever you "do" from who you are, and it is a wonderful experience to be able to do that. Meeting as equals, that's a great way to put it.Meeting as equals.
God works in mysterious ways pilgrim...embrace it!I wanted an adventure that's all; nothing more!
Never been religious or for that matter spiritual in my life; but i don't think i will ever understand what that means when applied to me.
But me being moved to tears in a church more than once; mystified me!
So in my mind it's not just a hike!
Woody
My wife and I both found walking the Camino to be a spiritual experience that we welcomed and embrace. Neither of us is religious in any formal way. We do not attend church or see the world through a lens shaped by dogma. But the Camino, with its millennial history, its extraordinary beauty, and the ever changing flow of pilgrims from all parts of the world spoke a lovely, touching language about simplicity and faith and perseverance. We each found ourselves on the verge of tears in the cool quiet of churches along the way as we rested and contemplated why we were there, so far from home, and prepared ourselves to pick up our packs and walk farther. My walk on the Camino taught me much and soothed my soul. I am grateful for the Camino every day.I wanted an adventure that's all; nothing more!
Never been religious or for that matter spiritual in my life; but i don't think i will ever understand what that means when applied to me.
But me being moved to tears in a church more than once; mystified me!
So in my mind it's not just a hike!
Woody
This is beautiful!They’re all Pilgrims. Some won’t have realized that yet
Brian Sewell in his documentary The Naked Pilgrim described himself as a lapsed Catholic at the beginning of his journey and towards the end stated that by walking the Camino he ran the risk of becoming a lapsed Atheist. Who knows? Who can say.There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
Speaking as a retired architect who has made many “pilgrimages” to buildings the most moving ( for the power of the natural lighting) were Sagrada Familia and Notre-Dame du Haut at Ronchamp by Le Corbusier.I think it's ok to walk the Camino for whatever one's reason is. I also believe that a pilgrimage does not have to be done for religious reason, although that was my reason for my Camino last year. My brother, who loves history, is trying to visit all the American Civil War battle fields, and that is a pilgrimage in progress too. He is drawn to something he loves. I'm going to be doing the Camino Frances over a period of years until I retire. I am drawn to it like a piece of steel is pulled to a magnet, ever since I heard about it. I'll start in SJPdP this year, and following my walk I'll be going to Barcelona. That will be the second pilgrimage of my trip, since the last time I was there was over 40 years ago as an architecture student and I want to see the fruition of the work that's been done on the Sagrada Familia.
As simple as that.I know why I walk it and that's all that's important to me.
Everyone with a hipster beard I would guess ;-)Please do explain " hipster "? Everyone who is not like you?
This is not selfish. And realizing that might be your first learnings on the CaminoAs simple as that.
I will do my first Camino this year. I intend to walk alone. That’s what I feel I need to do at this stage of my life. And I confess I feel selfish, I feel lost and hope that going out of my comfort zone, and all the comforts I take refuge in, I can get some clarity.
Am I asking too much of the Camino?
Clara, what a fortuitous name! I loved, absolutely loved, walking from Oporto to Santiago. Go. Expect nothing. You will be so surprised! Bom Caminho!As simple as that.
I will do my first Camino this year. I intend to walk alone. That’s what I feel I need to do at this stage of my life. And I confess I feel selfish, I feel lost and hope that going out of my comfort zone, and all the comforts I take refuge in, I can get some clarity.
Am I asking too much of the Camino?
Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Carla, not Clara. All the one, your name is your own stamp!Clara, what a fortuitous name! I loved, absolutely loved, walking from Oporto to Santiago. Go. Expect nothing. You will be so surprised! Bom Caminho!
Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Carla, not Clara. All the one, your name is your own stamp!
I’m very sad for those who are not familiar with the importance of the Craggy Island conclaveI’m not surprised to see the debate continue, as it depends so much on the optics of each commentator.
It did occur to me overnight that my reference to Fr. Hacket’s considered words might not be definitive.
I could direct the interested reader to the ‘response to Vatican ll’ (privately published, Craggy Island Press 1997) by the now Bishop Dougal Maguire - hotly tipped for Cardinal - especially his chapter on perspective. The same physical presence being interpreted differently whether from a religious or secular point of view.
Bishop Maguire's discussion of the modern parable ‘The cows - tiny or far away?’ is a set text in philosophy classes in seminaries throughout the UK.
It does seem that the fame of the intellectual and spiritual debates which so characterised the Craggy Island conclave in the latter part of the 20th century has not spread to the Americas or Africa?
I am glad you have mentioned this as in years past I have unwarrantedly disparaged others for not fitting my model of "pilgrimage". I personally think when I walk it is really important for me to strip down and walk as simple a camino as possible. Municipal albergues, donativos, community meals and walking no matter the weather, unless of course it could be dangerous. I am not a masochist but I do feel discomfort etc is an important part of my experience. I remember before my first camino my daughter had just returned from a year of backpacking the world. She told me a few days before I left, "Daddy, I have you and Mom and my sister's love. I have a few really close friends. I learned everything I need in life I can fit in my backpack. The rest is just s%*t. I hope you learn that too.Long term members will know this is an hazardous topic. Offense easily given and often taken. Please remember that we are as they on the roads to Santiago. No-one owns those roads, there are no rules. As the good Bishop said “God does not count your steps, nor Santiago weigh your pack. Look to your heart pilgrim for why you walk this road”.
There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I read this and then suddenly understood the reference and burst out laughing, it made my morning , although i think you might need to explain the reference to non uk members .
I woiuld have thought so myself, but over several caminos ran into pilgrims for whom this was the case. During the economic crisis (of ten years ago?) this was not infrequent as young Spaniards were often unemployed and this was really the best solution for them. Other than that, I saw no difference between them and other other pilgrijms; they trudged the same path, discouraged and challenged with the same hills, the same time for engagement with people of all views from all parts of the planet, the same space for time alone. In spite of the difficult and depressing time for them, they were cheerful and diligent, and were great company.People who are looking for a "cheap holiday" generally aren't interested in walking 20-30 km a day!
7. People. Humanity. Connection. Meeting as equals. Sharing.....all headed in the same direction.
Hey, you missed out the pagans clutching our sprigs of mistletoe and our flint sickles and looking smug on our way to the end-of-the-worldpilgrims with religious motives fell into a whole range of categories; the only young people I have ever seen with rosaries would walk through the meseta, telling their beads, intégristes bitter over the Communist tendencies of various popes, a cheerful young policewoman fulfilling a vow to Our Lady for getting her through her exams, another walking as penance set by her confessor, evangelicals from Ulster encountering Catholic Christianity for the first time without a political reference, Lutheran theological students trudging and trading fart jokes, and Koreans singing psalms as they went along.
"All journeys have a secret destination of which the traveler is unaware." --Martin BuberThere are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I too felt a calling when I walked my first Camino in 99 , have felt it when ever I walk in Spain . Maybe it’s the historical setting with ancient churches or is it the people?There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
Exactly. That is why I kind of smile ... Because they don't know what lies in store. Nor does anyone, really. Anything that gets people started is fine by me. I became a pilgrim by walking the Camino. A longing was crystallized in me. So, no matter how truncated or assisted or whatever, it is all good. As long as people dip their toes in the water.They’re all Pilgrims. Some won’t have realized that yet
I have enjoyed reading this forum for quite some time as I prepare for my first Camino. Walking the Camino has been a goal of mine for many years and I am thrilled that the stars have aligned to allow me this opportunity.
The original post concerns me. There seem to be a few folks who feel it is their Camino and that only their rules to walk it apply.
The word pilgrimage means: A pilgrimage is a devotional practice consisting of a prolonged journey, often undertaken on foot or on horseback, toward a specific destination of significance.
Kanga touches on a what I believe is a key difference between hiking and walking a Camino that I didn't fully appreciate until I walked from Le Puy to Pamplona after two prior walks from SJPdP to Santiago on the Frances.
As Kanga points out, people walking a Camino are sharing a common experience "all walking in the same direction" toward a common goal.
That is a rare experience in our modern world, one that can be appreciated by hikers and pilgrims alike. In fact, I believe this factor is that often transforms hikers seeking adventure and challenge into pilgrims on a journey.
I have absolutely nothing against taking a long hike in the southwest of France -- the country side is beautiful and the food is superior to most one finds along the Frances. But walking a Camino is different. Truly different. I believe it is peoples' alignment toward a common goal that creates a spirit and an experience found in very few other endeavors.
Vive la différence!
Although I rarely sit down in front of a tv set, this series is worth finding. Dermot Morgan died too soon...I love this whole discussion and hope to return to the Camino soon. Buen Camino to all of you.
I’m in North America and found “Cows, Small or Far Away,” and Craggy Island, on YouTube. Well worth my time this a.m.
The "tourism" aspect has always been part of the goal of the church anyway -- it was the prime enticement to receive an education along the way, and is the basis of the "Grand Tour" the more privileged Europeans were supposed to go on to fully appreciate the cultural importance of their faith...Oh I’m torn in two with this one, I’m religious so I would firmly place myself in the pilgrimage group…but I’m also an avid walker who enjoys the views and the interesting people on the path so I can embrace those who walk for leisure and I applaud those who walk for their faith we all have a journey in life I just wouldn’t ever judge another’s journey because it’s different to mine. Buen camino mi amigos
I don't really care why others walk. I do wonder why anyone cares why I walk. Buen Camino.There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I don't really care why others walk. I do wonder why anyone cares why I walk. Buen Camino.
On my first camino, I think it was Burgos at Easter before I realised this is a pilgrimage, not a fun thing to do. From there on and my next four journeys to the Camino became religious. When, on my last Camino, I was dragged unconscious by a young girl from an ice cold river, I knew beyond any doubt that a higher power was walking beside me.The Camino is.
The Walker is.
It is the interplay between the two that determines whether one's walk is a pilgrimage. Annnndddd, it might not be apparent to the walker for some time after the walk that a pilgrimage was indeed undertaken.
The "calculus of the Camino" is only understood by an Entity well above the pay grade of mortals. A gross objective view of a personal subjective issue is not easily grasped and likely not even possible.
YMMV,
B
There are lots of threads now on “skipping stages”, “where to stay an extra day”, etc.
Is it now just a cheap hiking trail?
I guess it probably is.
Does anybody actually walk the camino for religious reasons now?
Why am I asking this?
I am not religious.
When I walked my first camino it was just a long distance hike.
But somewhere along the way I felt the “call of the camino”.
Maybe we are all searching for “God”.
Are we?
What is missing from our lives that we need to do this?
We have been here before (many times) on the forum, just thought I’d raise it again now people are planning their 2022 camino.
Why are you doing this pilgrim?
I’m just the messenger, don’t shoot me. Ask yourself.
I will always see it as a pilgrimage. Knowledge of it's origins prevents me from seeing it any other way, and it is what initially captured my interest in doing the Camino. The only time that I was somewhat bothered by others not taking it serious was while I was at Cruz de Ferro. Luckily I had prayed and documented my arrival to that point. As I was leaving, a couple with their kids appeared and the children took to it as a playground with no objection by the parents. But this is to be expected. I took about a year to plan and prepare myself for the journey and I did my homework. Not all do...and that's ok. Not that I don't notice the antics of others, but I try to focus more on my experience during a journey. Buen Camino to all.On my first camino, I think it was Burgos at Easter before I realised this is a pilgrimage, not a fun thing to do. From there on and my next four journeys to the Camino became religious. When, on my last Camino, I was dragged unconscious by a young girl from an ice cold river, I knew beyond any doubt that a higher power was walking beside me.
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