More miles than yesterday. I’d never walked 14 miles before and on the second day our walk was 15 miles. The good news is that my hip didn’t hurt at all after the first day (miracles), I only had two hot spots (no blisters), and after getting stretched out at breakfast my shins only hurt a little. 

This stage is from Portomarín to Palas de Rei. After a steep downhill at the start, I walked rolling hills through the countryside. I started out with our group, but then we spread out at different paces and I found that I was striding on my own.

At first I had trouble clearing my head as work and things I needed to do kept popping in. I needed to find a way to crowd out my everyday thoughts. After all, I was in Spain walking on the Camino!! Why was I carrying my forever burdens on this wonderful trip?

Eventually after lunch I settled into a rhythm with my walking sticks and my mind began to clear. I heard some birds chattering and started noticing the pilgrims walking around me.

“Buen Camino.” “Buen Camino.” “Buen Camino.”

After one “Buen Camino” exchange, I thought I detected a U.S. accent and inquired. He was from the Northern Virginia area celebrating a friend’s 50th birthday. A group of six men had come to make their first Caminos, enjoying their friendship and sharing the Camino experience.

We shared our hopes for the trip and I learned that he was Roman Catholic and one in his group is a priest. He said they were disappointed when they heard that St. James Cathedral in Santiago is closed for services as it is undergoing remodeling.

I told him of my transition to the Episcopal Church in 2008 and invited him to join us in Eucharist on Sunday in Santiago where Bishop Lozano (Bishop of Spain) had made arrangements for us to celebrate mass in Santa Susana Chapel near the Cathedral.

“Would we be comfortable?” he asked.

“I think you’d be very comfortable. The liturgy is similar to a Catholic service where we take bread and wine. Although we have female clergy with us, they won’t be allowed to celebrate since it is a Catholic Chapel. You and your friends are invited to join us at noon on Sunday.”

He took my name and number and promised to call for more information. When he stopped for lunch, I continued on.

I thought a lot about that conversation for the rest of my walk that day. I knew it was what drew me to the Episcopal Church in 2008: recognition that women can be called to be clergy, clergy can marry, and all are welcome at the Eucharist. It has been a place of hope and healing for me ever since.

It occupied my thoughts for the rest of the day. Why was I so comfortable in the Episcopal Church and how can I encourage others? I’d recalled that we were told about Bishop Lozano raising money to buy a building in Santiago for an Anglican Centre where they would be daily church services where women can celebrate and all baptized Christians are welcomed. It would be an oasis of healing, hope and love for all weary travelers.

I think that is what the early church looked like. Everyone caring for each other without denominations and constraints based upon gender. I wonder if we can ever restore that unconditional love for each other that Jesus demonstrated when He was on earth.

That night at dinner I thought again of my conversation and I hoped that they would join us at service. What a wonderful way to be on the Camino and to unite like the early church!

I’ve made my donation to the Anglican Centre in Santiago. The United Thank Offering (UTO) of the Episcopal Church is matching donations made through December 31, 2019. Here’s more information about the Centre and how to donate: WALK WITH US.

Help to create a place where all are welcomed, as we continue on our long hard journeys.

Blessings, my friend,
Agatha 

The photo is a Cruceiro (stone cross) just outside of our Day 2 destination, Palas de Rei.