This week, 24 parishioners from Church of the Redeemer traveled to Spain to walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage together.
From May 25 to June 3, they will walk the same path Christian pilgrims have walked since the Middle Ages. They will start in Madrid and finish in Santiago de Compostela, covering the 73 miles of the French Way. The journey will take the pilgrims through meadows, forests, farmland, and small villages.
The parishioners going on the pilgrimage range in age from 40 to 80. They have been preparing for the trip for many months, gathering several times to review details about the pilgrimage and train for days of walking. Members of the group completed three training walks of 5 miles, 7 miles, and 10 miles long that took them to Sarasota’s Celery Fields, Lido Key, and Siesta Key.
Church of the Redeemer Senior Assistant Rector Fr. Michael Hurst is going on the pilgrimage and will lead the group in prayer and communion services throughout the trip. Parishioners will also read devotionals each day and have a chance to record their reflections throughout the journey.
A highlight of pilgrimage preparation was a Camino, Vino, and Tapas social that allowed parishioners going on the trip to get to know each other better. Guests brought a Spanish appetizer, enjoyed Spanish wine, and discussed details about the pilgrimage, such as what to pack and the best trail shoes to wear to avoid blisters.
“The Camino is a great metaphor for life’s journey,” said Fr. Hurst. “We walk the road with strength from God and the help of our fellow pilgrims. This experience is a wonderful opportunity for our Redeemer pilgrims to grow spiritually together.”
Pictured above: Members of the pilgrimage group embarked on a 7-mile practice walk from Church of the Redeemer to Lido Key and back ahead of the trip.