As the Camino draws nearer, my steps have become slower—not because of fatigue, but because I’m becoming more aware of those I’m walking with.
Not just the pilgrims I’ll meet along the way.
But the ones who won’t be walking the Camino physically—
yet whose presence, stories, prayers, and longings I’ll be carrying with every step.
For the Ones Who Long to Go
Some have said, “I’ve always dreamed of doing the Camino, but my health won’t allow it.”
Others have whispered, “Walk a prayer for me—I’m not able to make it there, but I’ll be with you in spirit.”
And still others—family, friends, spiritual companions—have journeyed on ahead of us, walking now in the nearer presence of God.
Each of these voices, each of these hearts, travels with me.
Pilgrimage as Intercession
There is something deeply sacred about walking on behalf of others.
To name them.
To carry them in prayer.
To pause at a church or cross or fountain and say, “This moment is for them.”
It is one of the most ancient forms of pilgrimage:
walking in the name of another.
And the Camino, with its long silences and open landscapes, creates space for this kind of prayer to stretch and deepen.
It’s not always dramatic.
Sometimes it’s just one step, one name, one quiet tear.
And it’s enough.
The Invitation
Before I go, I’m gathering names.
Names of the weary.
Names of the faithful.
Names of those who once dreamed of walking this road and those whose burdens feel too heavy to carry alone.
I’ll bring them in my heart.
Some written in my journal.
Some etched in memory.
Some carried in silence.
So I invite you:
Who are you walking for?
Whose name would you offer to be carried on this Camino?
What story, what prayer, what grief or hope needs to make this journey in spirit?
🙏 A Pilgrim’s Prayer for Those We Carry
Gracious God,
As I prepare to walk this road, I remember those who cannot come with me—
not with their feet, but with their hearts.
For the ones who are ill,
for the ones in grief,
for the ones carrying burdens too heavy for this trail,
and for those who once dreamed of walking but have now walked home to You—
I carry them.
In every step.
In every breath.
In every silent prayer whispered on the wind.
Bless them, O Lord.
And bless this journey made in love,
for we walk together in Your Spirit.
Amen.
If you would like to send me a name, I will carry it with reverence and prayer.
There’s room in the heart.
And plenty of grace along the Way.
Buen Camino,
Fr. Don+