This past May, Father Lukasz and campus minister Tom Nee became pilgrims with 9 members of the St. Catherine’s community, both students and young adults, on El Camino de Santiago. The group followed the ancient pilgrimage trail starting in Coimbra, Portugal walking 250 miles to Santiago de Compostela, Spain where the apostle James is buried. More than a simple hiking trip or tour of Europe, the group sought out spiritual insight in following the ancient path so many Christians before them have. U Student John Shackelford said of the spiritual component: "When you actively look for Christ, then you will encounter Him. The Camino taught me this because when you walk the way of the faith with an open heart and not expecting Christ in a particular way, then you will find Him everyday in your life in ways you may never have expected."

 

Along the way, the group prayed together through Mass both in beautiful churches and in hostel living rooms, with pilgrims often joining them. In addition to the pilgrimage, the group made a stop beforehand in Fatima, where a Marian apparition occurred over 100 years ago. The group also took a rest day in beautiful Porto, Portugal, trying excellent seafood, taking a dip in the water, and having delicious Port Wine! The group agreed that the best part was reaching Santiago after three weeks of walking, and looking back at all they’ve learned and experienced. Student Abby Sanderson shared “If you have ever thought about going, you most definitely should. It is an experience that will always be with you even after you have returned.”