As the days count down and my pack grows lighter, one question has been sitting with me more and more:
How do I make this more than a hike?
How do I walk the Camino — not just with my body — but with my soul?
Because let’s be honest: the Camino is a physical challenge.
There will be early mornings, tired feet, steep climbs, and days where the end of the road seems far off.
But what I long for most is to walk a holy journey.
Not just to complete the distance…
But to be transformed by the road.
What Makes a Journey Holy?
A holy journey isn’t made by beautiful views or historical significance—though the Camino has plenty of both.
What makes it holy is intention.
It’s the quiet decision to walk with purpose.
To look not just around, but within.
To trust that God walks just as surely on dusty gravel as in cathedral aisles.
The Sacred in the Ordinary
I don’t expect the skies to part or angels to appear.
But I do believe that God will be found—
In the rhythm of walking.
In the silence of the early morning.
In a cup of water shared.
In laughter with strangers who become friends.
Every step, every ache, every moment of stillness can become prayer—if I allow it.
The Invitation
So as I prepare to walk this ancient path, I’m choosing to walk it with a holy posture:
- To listen more than I speak.
- To see more than I scroll.
- To bless each day—however messy or marvelous it may be.
You don’t need to walk the Camino to make your journey holy.
Wherever you are—on foot, in ministry, or in the simple routines of daily life—
You can choose to walk with reverence.
Because God is already on the road.
And the road, when walked in faith, becomes sacred ground.
Thank you for journeying with me in spirit.
Buen Camino,
Fr. Don+
A Pilgrim’s Rule of Life for the Camino
1. Walk with Purpose, Not Just Distance I will remember that I am not just covering ground, I am walking with God. Each step is part of a sacred journey.
2. Begin and End with Prayer I will begin each day with a short prayer for presence and peace, and end each day with gratitude—for what was given, and what was let go.
3. Keep Company with the Spirit Whether I walk alone or with others, I will remember that Christ is always walking with me.
4. Receive Every Encounter as Holy Every person I meet is a fellow pilgrim in some way. I will treat each encounter as a moment of grace.
5. Rest When Needed, Without Shame I will honour my body and spirit by taking breaks. Rest is not weakness—it is sacred.
6. Leave Space for Silence I will make room for quiet—no headphones, no noise—so I can listen for the still small voice of God.
7. Travel Light—in Spirit and in Pack I will release what no longer serves me: old wounds, heavy expectations, anxious striving. I will walk freely.
8. Keep a Grateful Heart I will practice gratitude for beauty, breath, food, kindness, and the sheer gift of the journey.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose hearts are the highways to Zion.” —Psalm 84:5
A Reflection Guide
A Daily Practice for Pilgrimage and Preparation
At the Start of the Day
- What is my intention for today’s walk?
- Where might I need to slow down, listen, or let go?
- Who or what will I carry in prayer today?
A Short Prayer to Begin:
“God of the road, walk with me today.
Make my feet steady, my heart open, and my spirit grateful. Amen.”
While Walking (in silence)
- What do I notice that I would normally pass by?
- What is God drawing my attention to today?
- What am I carrying that is becoming too heavy?
Silent Prompt:
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)
At the End of the Day
- What moments stand out from today’s walk?
- Where did I experience grace?
- What am I thankful for?
- What do I need to release before tomorrow?
Night Prayer:
“Thank you, O God, for the steps I walked, the people I met, and the strength you gave.
In your mercy, watch over my rest and guide me in the morning. Amen.”