I had always wanted to walk the Camino and when the opportunity showed with the group of the British Carmelites, I knew my dream would come true. We set off on Easter Monday, with the excitement and the worries about what to expect from this experience. Despite the unpredictable weather and the achy feet, I was surprised how easy it was to settle into the walk and leave my daily life behind. All the worries melted away and the only focus was sharing the Camino, mile after mile. We walked 72 miles of breath-taking landscapes, eucalyptus forests and hills, accompanying each other in this unforgettable experience.
Different stories and personalities met and blended along the Camino; we helped each other find and bring out the strength from within. We alternated moments of prayer and reflection to sharing fun and laughter, in a way that I always felt there was a good balance of both quiet and social moments. I came back renewed, inspired, enriched by new friendships and more aware of my connection to God and others. I’ve learnt how to appreciate even more everyone’s story and personal relationship with God, and learnt to share my own experience of faith, which is not always easy to do. The week was really well organised and help and guidance from John and Br Richard always prompt. It’s an experience I highly recommend and which I hope to live again in the future!
Francesca Giorda – Pilgrim’s reflection