The Camino de Santiago.
You’ve likely heard of the fabled pilgrimage — an inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for over 1000 years. But did you know that Orange County has its own, annual mini-Camino?
When Father Thomas Naval was first assigned to Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church (the one in Lake Forest – not Spain!) he made the time to visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
“We were able to make a very short Camino from Monte de Gozo to the Cathedral and by God’s grace, were able to experience the blessing with the butofomeiro the huge incense thurible,” said Fr. Thomas. That short pilgrimage – just seven kilometers, “was an eye opener for me that we can replicate this inspirational experience for our parishioners and community in Orange County, California.”
The 6th Annual Camino de Santiago (OC Route!) will be held on Saturday, July 23 in Lake Forest. The first walkers can begin as early as 5 a.m., though the start time is staggered until 10 a.m. The Camino begins and ends at Santiago de Compostela Church, 21682 Lake Forest Drive. From here, bus transport will be available to two walking route options: “Our Lady of the Pillar Way” begins at Lake Forest Sports Park which is approximately 4.1 miles. The “St. James Way” route option begins at Portola Hills at the El Toro Rd. entrance and is approximately 7 miles.
Both routes include stations for inspirational, guided reflection. The theme this year is “We will rise again” and reflections recognize the power of God in our lives that overcome the hurt and pain that we receive. Regardless of the burdens in our lives, Christ’s Resurrection conquers all. A prayerful option is also available within the church campus.
But beware: Sometimes a short pilgrimage can inspire something much, much greater! This year Fr. Thomas committed to a full, 500-mile Camino, from Lisbon, Portugal (where our Lady of Fatima is) to Santiago de Compostela Church in Spain.
He notes that, “while our parish Camino gives a taste of what it feels to walk intentionally like the Camino in Spain, it is a very different experience!”
“The Camino in Portugal and Spain is done in a span of days and weeks”, and making matters simpler,” added Fr. Thomas. “Our Camino in OC has set stations where the pilgrims are invited to enter in reflection, prayer and meaningful activity guided by Scripture passages that are relevant to our current challenges and situations.”
The OC Camino is much more than just a walk. Mass, officiated by Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer and con-celebrated by Fr. Thomas Naval, follows the walk at 11:30 a.m., and the celebration concludes with a pilgrim-worthy lunch and entertainment at 12:30 p.m….
The above comes from a July 6 story in OC Catholic.
I started walking the Camino several years ago. Began in France at Saint Jean Pied de Port but abandoned it after a week because it was too commercial and too urban and too crowded. It’s romanticized by people. I wouldn’t recommend it at all. Miserable experience. It’s a race to a bed. No fun. Not spiritual. Not worth it at all. Find a better walk in America or something else like visiting the California Missions or camping in national or state parks. The Camino de Santiago is a con to get tourists’ money. You’ve been warned.
An addendum to my anti-Camino review made earlier. If you enlarge and look at the reflection in the priest’s sunglasses, you can see that the picture is framed to be deceptive: it looks like it’s in a rural, forested area with a helpful sign to direct pilgrims where the trail might be lost. In truth, the reflection shows the picture was taken in a heavily urbanized area. Many Camino pilgrims frame their pictures deceptively that way to make the pilgrimage route look like an idyllic stroll through beautiful fields and forests. Much of the Camino is through city streets. It might have been idyllic in the Middle Ages. Now it’s a tourist trap and a con. Avoid. And many people will give it good reviews even though secretly they thought it was a waste of time because they don’t want to be seen as having wasted their time and they don’t have the courage to say something contrary to the dominant Camino narrative. I will say it all day long to everyone: do not go on the Camino de Santiago. It’s a waste of time and money.
Not to mention the snoring and the flatulence in the albergues. You are really exposed to the grosser side of humanity on this pilgrimage.
I made a St. James’s chaplet a few years ago and enclosed it in a vintage metal shell with the cross of St. James on it that I bought online. Here is one of the beautiful prayers I found:
“O Gentle Jesus, Saint James was one of your first apostles, but he started out as an impulsive, self-centered man. He dared to ask You for a place of honor in Your kingdom, and he wanted You to destroy the villages that had rejected You, but eventually he developed a true understanding of holiness. I ask him to pray that my humility grows stronger than my pride, that I submit my will to your will, (to be cont.)
(Cont.) and that when I speak, my words reveal Your gentleness and love. Restrain me when I want to rush ahead and give me a broader perspective when I’m seeing things through a narrow, limited view. Saint James, pray for me. Amen.