The Camino: A Thirteen Hundred Year Tradition

“Walking the Camino de Santiago is a moment when everything comes to life, including your soul.” – Paulo Coelho

This summer, a main part of my sabbatical will be walking the Camino de Santiago, specifically the Francés Way, and I want to give you some background on why this is meaningful—not just historically, but spiritually.

The Camino de Santiago—”The Way of St. James”—is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Tradition holds that the Apostle James, the brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest disciples, preached the gospel in Spain and was later buried there after his martyrdom. In the 9th century, his tomb was reportedly rediscovered, and Santiago became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world—alongside Jerusalem and Rome.

The route I’m walking, known as the Camino Francés, begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a small town in France at the foot of the Pyrenees, and stretches about 500 miles across Spain. The path winds through mountains, farmland, medieval villages, busy cities, and quiet country roads. Along the way, pilgrims pass churches, cathedrals, ancient bridges, and countless crosses—indicators of those who walked this path before.

Historically, pilgrims made the journey seeking penance, healing, or closeness to God. Often times they were sent out with the blessing of the entire town or village they came from. Today, fewer walk for religious reasons alone, yet, many still seek something deeply spiritual: a time to reflect, to pray, to reset, or to listen for God’s voice.

For me, it’s a journey to step out of the daily rush and to walk this ancient path in order to seek the Lord and His presence. Yes, it’s a physical challenge that excites and motives me. But, more importantly, it’s a spiritual one. Like the Psalmist writes, “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage” (Psalm 84:5). As I walk, I plan to listen and meditate on Scripture. Read books in the evening that focus on abiding with God. And, as I take in the scenery and endure the mental and physical challenges, I hope worship and pray, seeking the Lord (Psalm 105:4).

Ultimately, this isn’t just about reaching a destination in Spain—it’s about walking with God, one step at a time. And in the process, I hope to be spiritually renewed and inspired to walk more closely with the Lord as I return and enter this next season of life.