Central Walks the 500-Mile Way of El Camino

James, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, was martyred in 44 AD, and his body is believed to be in Galicia, Spain.  For more than 1,000 years, pilgrims have made their way to Santiago de Composde where St. James’ remains are kept.  There are several routes to get to Santiago. One route begins in France. It is a journey of over 500 miles and can take pilgrims two months.

On April 8, a group from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Central began its journey to Santiago de Composteia with a seven-mile walk from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to La Vierge D’Orisson. The photo at left was taken as they began their pilgrimage.  Shown are (front row) Juanita and Charles Beard, Rebecca Casselberry and Mark Legendre. (back row) Daryl Haynes, Shelia Casselberry, Fr. Ryan Humphries, Janet Haynes, Bob Bailey and hidden behind Bob is Chris Casselberry.

For all of the pilgrims, the journey was one of the great experiences of their lives.

Shelia Casselberry wrote, April 19 “The church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion located in Navarrete, Spain. Words cannot explain what you feel and see when you walk up to the altar at this church.” May 19 – “A fun walk today. Started out early at 7:30 for a 9-10-mile trail. Eventually, those who walked slower, like myself and Toni were separated from the rest of the group, and Chris stayed back to watch over us. There was no place to stop for a break, so we just kept on tracking. Loved the forest tree coverage and some of the old buildings. We did go near a cow pasture with an unpleasant smell, but that’s part of the adventure.”

Mark Legendre said, “The Camino was an unbelievable experience. By far the most moving spiritual experience I have ever had to date. Throughout my journey, I realized profoundly that I know God loves me, that I have led a very blessed life, and God is present and moving in my family.” May 4 – “16-mile trek from Bercianos del Real Camino to Mansilla through mostly flat farmland, with a high chance of rain and wind all day, God was good to us pilgrims with no rain during the walk but the wind had to be 30-40 knots the whole walk.”  May 16 – “Tough 13-mile trek today: rain, mud, wind, uphill and cold!  Only 94 miles to go to Santiago de Compostela! I am terribly missing my wife, family and friends!”