Please allow me to give a brief introduction to one historical and significant pilgrimage pathway that is well-known by many. This is the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage pathway that approaches the city of the same name from all directions. Each portion of the path has its’ own challenges and beauty, moving through different towns, covering different distances. Most pilgrims choose to walk a path of at least the required 100km in order to receive the credential certificate upon completion. Others may walk hundreds of kilometers, such as on the Camino Francés or French path.

Pilgrims have walked these paths for centuries, first primarily Catholics, now people of all faiths or none. Reasons for taking on this challenge are as individual as the person who is walking. Some of these are: carrying grief. embracing a life transition. searching one’s soul for faith or something else specific. experiencing the beauty of the natural world. communing with God. accepting a significant challenge. creating space for reflection, becoming unplugged from everyday life. prayer. searching for something. penitence. it’s even possible for someone to choose to walk who feels drawn to do so without knowing why.

Along the way there is a sense of communion with others traveling with you, strangers on the trail, hospitable neighbors across Spain, and every other pilgrim who has ever walked the pathway. The goal is reaching Santiago de Compostela, celebrating the accomplishment for yourself and for others, and experiencing the cathedral. Many attend Mass, take the opportunity to see where it is supposed that the bones of St. James are buried within the sanctuary, or select a tour of the cathedral if desired.

As the journey reaches its’ destination there is a well of emotion as walkers enter the city and gather in the plaza in front of the cathedral. It is a grand celebration, an experience of relief, and a sacred moment of bringing all that you have carried and experienced along the way. Laughter, weeping, whooping, praying, contemplating, hugging—there are many responses to the completion of a pilgrimage.