The Camino is a pilgrimage route that traverses northern Spain, finding its ultimate end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Tradition holds that the Apostle James traveled to Spain to share the Gospel and is buried at the cathedral site. James is a disciple who left his trade as a fisherman to follow Jesus. Saint James is known as the patron saint of Spain. For hundreds of years, people from all walks of life have been making their journey along El Camino (“The Way”) to pray, reflect, and renew a commitment to journeying daily with Christ.
Retreat Description:
Join Father Killian Loch, O.S.B., prior of Saint Vincent Archabbey and veteran Camino retreat master in Walking the WAY with Christ. This retreat and walk—the Camino Portugues—features a different topic each day and on this trip pilgrims will be traversing the final section of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The route of the Camino traverses through villages, towns, and even some cities and walkers can frequent hotels and restaurants and experience the camaraderie with other pilgrims which adds meaning to the trip. Each day, in addition to the group’s prayer and conferences, pilgrims will be attending the Pilgrim Mass in the various towns the group will stay in.
Day 1 | May 13 | Depart U.S.A. for Vigo (or Porto)
Pilgrims will depart Saint Vincent Archabbey on May 13 for Vigo (or Porto) and arrive the following day. Vigo is in the northwest sector of the Iberian Peninsula on the southern shore of an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 2 | May 14 | Arrive in Vigo (or Porto)
They will be transported to Vigo for an overnight stay in this Galician city, which is just north of Portugal.
Day 3 | May 15 | Walk from Vigo to Redondella
On May 15 the walk will commence, with the day’s theme being Recognizing Christ with Us. Pilgrims will walk from Vigo to Redondella, which is 15.5 kilometers or about 9.6 miles.
Day 4 | May 16 | Walk from Redondella to Pontevedra
The following day, with the theme of Hear our Call from Christ, they will walk from Redondella to Pontevedra, 19.7 kilometers or 12.24 miles. This charming city is one of art and history and some of its squares date to medieval times. There are many historic churches in the city.
Day 5 | May 17 | Walk from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis
On May 17, the third day, the longest day of walking will traverse from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis for 21.3 kilometers or 13.2 miles, as pilgrims ponder the theme Discerning our Response to Christ.
Day 6 | May 18 | Walk from Caldas de Reis to Padron
On May 18, the fourth day, the pilgrims will go from Caldas de Reis to Padron for 18.9 kilometers or 11.74 miles and reflect on Our Journey with Christ. According to tradition, it was in this town that Saint James first preached.
Day 7 | May 19 | Walk from Padron to Teo
Day five will be the shortest leg of the walk, only 10.9 kilometers or 6.7 miles, from Padron to Teo with the theme Uniting our Joys and Sorrows to Christ.
Day 8 | May 20 | Walk from Teo to Santiago
The sixth day will take the group from Teo to Santiago in 14 kilometers, or 8.7 miles as walkers will be Rejoicing in Christ’s Victory. The town has been a Catholic pilgrimage route since the ninth century and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9 | May 21 | Day in Santiago
Retreatants will be Resting with Christ on the seventh day as they have a well-earned day to explore the city, where they will stay overnight. The city’s narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and many parks afford many choices for visitors.
Day 10 | May 22 | Depart for the U.S.A.
The group will fly back to the U.S.A. on May 22.
Retreat Master:
Father Killian Loch, O.S.B., has been prior of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 2021 and a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey since 2010. He was ordained a priest for the Dioccese of Scranton in 1979 and after 30 years of working in the diocese, he felt a call toward joining a religious community. He has been involved with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and several of its committees, and has authored a column on the Sunday Homilies for the Archabbey website and other publications. At various times, he has worked with campus ministry at Saint Vincent College, the Archabbey Vocation Office and as director of postulants, in addition to other roles. In Scranton, he was principal of a diocesan high school, worked in three pastoral assignments, and was both regional vicar and vicar for priests for the diocese.
Assistant Retreat Master: Brother Emmanuel da Costa, O.S.B.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Deposit Fee: $400 (Non-refundable after January 13)
Total Cost: $2100 (does not include airfare). Full payment required by Friday, February 7, 2025.
Check-In: Contact the retreat office.
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