For more than 12 centuries, pilgrims from around the world have embarked on a physically demanding and spiritually fruitful journey leading to the tomb of St. James the Greater in Santiago, Spain.
This summer, nine of those pilgrims were students from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington. Alongside their chaplain, Father Peter M. McShurley, and three fathers, the nine boys completed a 13-day intensive walking pilgrimage of 210 miles July 3-15.
“I could feel God’s presence with me when I was walking and when I was tired,” said Declan Fitzpatrick, a rising freshman at O’Connell and a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Herndon. “I felt comfort in doing it with a group.”
The pilgrims walked along the “Camino Primitivo” route known as one of the most difficult paths due to the mountainous terrain and limited resources along the way. The path is original route taken by King Alfonso II of Asturias in 813.
The 14 pilgrims began their journey at the Oviedo Cathedral, which houses the Sudarium of Oviedo, or the discovered cloth wrapped around the head of Jesus as described in Jn 20:6-7.
“Starting our pilgrimage in Oviedo allowed us to begin our pilgrimage with a clear focus on Jesus and his action in our lives,” Father McShurley said. “My prayer especially for the young people on this pilgrimage has been that through daily Mass, time set aside for prayer, and the daily strenuous hike, we begin to see more clearly God’s action in our lives and learn some of the spiritual lessons that we can bring back to our daily lives.”
This summer was not Father McShurely’s first time walking the Camino. He walked the same path seven years ago and was inspired to return with students while on a retreat this past year. He wanted the pilgrims on this year’s camino to share their experience with other students.
“Walking through beautiful mountains, experiencing Spanish culture and going to Mass in ancient cathedrals is something that I really enjoyed,” said John Paul Bohli, a rising junior and parishioner of St. Mary of Sorrows Church in Fairfax.
The pilgrims started each day with an early breakfast, morning prayer and 45 minutes of silent time to help them reflect on the day’s Gospel reading during their walk of approximately 15 miles. Throughout their journey, the pilgrims traversed mountains past hillside farms and villages. In the evening, the group would check into their hostel for a quick shower and laundry, before attending Mass and eating dinner. Every night concluded with compline, night prayer, and a reflection of where they saw God working through the day.
Patrick Waddick, a rising senior and parishioner of St. James Church in Falls Church, enjoyed the daily Mass and consistent prayer life.
“It is something I hope to continue after the camino,” he added.
Looking ahead, Father McShurley is considering a similar pilgrimage for female O’Connell students next summer.
“Starting in Oviedo and praying in front of the facial burial cloth of Jesus and then walking 214 miles to the tomb of one of his closest friends truly made this a religious pilgrimage for our students,” said Ed Fitzpatrick, director of campus ministry, who attended the pilgrimage.
As they approached the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain, there was an undeniable transformation in the hearts of the pilgrims.
“Finishing the camino, (I had) a great sense of accomplishment,” Bohli said.
