CISVAAA Principals' Camino Pilgrimage to Santiago

Day Six: Portomarin to Palas de Rei

Today was a day filled with kindnesses. We began our day as usual with prayer, but today, two of our CISVA colleagues joined us via Facetime. It was a unique experience to be standing in Spain, praying with colleagues in Vancouver. Although the Camino is timeless, this experience of it could only have occurred in our present time. 

Shortly into our journey, we came across a pilgrim standing by the side of the road near a Camino sign. His knee was bandaged and he clearly realized that he was not going to be able to make the day's journey by foot and was hoping for a ride. After a few cars passed, a driver stopped to pick him up and we saw this gentleman later in the day.  It seems as though it is a matter of course that pilgrims are able to get rides from strangers when they are in need.

We stopped for lunch today at a café that, according to the guidebook, was called 'Conde de Waldemar.'  How could we not stop there when we are traveling with Waldemar? However, when we arrived there, we saw that the name had been changed. Our Waldemar was very upset by this situation, but we went ahead to order our meal (it was lunchtime, after all).  A few minutes into our meal, the owner came and presented Waldemar with two shirts with 'Conde de Waldemar' (which means 'Lord Waldemar' apparently) on them. Waldemar's day was made!

Unfortunately, our Michael is having trouble with his heel. While at lunch (at the café formerly known as Waldemar), the doctor who travels with the group of Spanish students whom we have come to know passed by and stopped to chat. He kindly took a look at Michael's ankle and told him to stop at the campsite in which he would be staying that evening and he would tape the ankle for him.  Sure enough, as we passed the campsite, Aciera was waiting for us and happily taped Michael's ankle so that he can make it to Santiago.

We encountered so many people today. One family expressed gratitude to be walking the Camino, as they are getting the opportunity to spend concentrated time together, helping one another through the difficult parts of the journey, and chatting and enjoying one another's company along the way. We met Brigid today. She started her Camino journey yesterday, having decided on the spur of the moment to embark on the journey. She is due to meet a friend in a week and decided to walk 100kilometres of the Camino. She is an Irish woman who is retired and now lives in California. She feels that it is the Lord's work that brought her here and she is so glad that she came. The spirit of cheerful community is palpable on the Camino and we experienced it in very concrete ways on our journey today.

Our day ended with a beautiful Mass at San Salvador Church. The church was filled to the doors with pilgrims and parishioners and the joy was contagious, with the spirit-filled music and the smiling priest.  He had a special blessing for the 'peregrinos' before we left and he wished all of us well on our journeys. He challenged all of us to be apostles of Christ. Although the liturgy was in Spanish and we could only understand the occasional word, we knew we were part of the greater Catholic community and we knew we were welcome.

The Camino can be a powerful journey, but we must bring to it the resolve to see it as something more than a physical walk. The tourist may approach the journey from the point of view of seeing the sights and conquering a challenging hike which can be checked off a 'must-do' list. A pilgrim, however, will approach it as an inner journey after which one is changed irrevocably. It is an individual journey, even for those traveling with others, and one that brings about changes that are unique to each person.

 

'Lord Waldemar' and his new best friend.

 

Lunch at the café that was known as 'Conde Waldemar'

 

An angel on each shoulder. Two of our CISVA colleagues praying with us.

 

What a beautiful journey!

 

A little help from a friend?

CISVAAA Principals' Pilgrimage to El Camino:Day 5

Day Five: Sarria to Portomarin

We have now completed more than half of our pilgrimage journey; we passed the 100 kilometre mark and now have 89.5 kilometres to walk before we reach Santiago.  Some might say that we are now seasoned pilgrims, but we wonder if there really is a point at which one becomes a seasoned pilgrim.Doesn't a pilgrimage mean that, no matter how many times one completes it, one finds a different experience each time? The more people we meet, the more we realize that truth.

There are many more pilgrims traveling the road now, as many start the journey in Sarria, at approximately the 100 kilometre point. We began our day at breakfast by talking to a group of women from Ottawa who were just beginning their journey today.  They asked us for some tips, which we shared happily, but  we realized by the end of the conversation that the most important advice we could share was to enjoy the journey, and with those words, we departed.

On our way, we also met a woman from Torino, Italy, who was traveling with her granddaughter, who appeared to be approximately eight years old. We learned that this woman has walked the Camino numerous times, both forward and backward. With this particular journey, she said, she is training her granddaughter to walk it as well.  To see this pair walking, with kerchiefs on their heads and walking sticks in their hands, they could have come from any time, and time seemed to melt away. The Camino transcends the generations.

We met a tired-looking man who asked the name of the next town and the distance to it. When we said that it was Portomarin at 2 kilometers, he looked so relieved. He had walked from Triacastela that day, which was a journey of forty kilometres. He said that he would stay in Portomarin tonight. We thought that was a very good idea.

Throughout our day, we met diverse people, coming from places such as Boston and Northern Ireland. Each shared their story with us as we spent a short time with them, ending each conversation with 'Buen Camino' of course. Once again, we met the Spanish school group, led by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. They are such a happy group of people, and they told us that they enjoy chatting with us to practice their English, which is considerably better than our Spanish!

All along our way, we have come across many animals, including numerous cattle, roosters and hens. Today we even saw an ostrich and a peacock. It is the dogs and cats, though, that lend charm to the countryside. They are able to roam free, unleashed and unfettered by cares. They walk the Camino as they please, making friends with the pilgrims (especially Brenda) and enjoying the freedom.

The walk was beautiful, with more pastoral scenes punctuated by areas of farmland, cornfields and other crops. Upon entering a lightly forested area, we heard the faint sound of pipes. It seemed incongruous, but we have realized that anything is possible on the Camino. In a short while, we came upon a piper in traditional dress, playing the Galician pipes. We stopped to listen and appreciate his music, and then moved on, the spirit of Galicia ringing in our ears.

Through our day, with all of its aches and pains, we forged on happily. We know, of course, that our journey is far more than simply following arrows on a path through Spain, and as the days roll by, we continue to feel the gift of this journey. It is a journey of the soul, and that knowledge propels us onward toward our goal, as it has done for centuries of people following in the footsteps of Saint James.

 

Saying our morning prayer together, for the intentions of our CISVA community.

 

An early morning start.

 

Our Galician piper.

 

Walking through fields of crops.

 

In the Chapel of the Clouds at the entrance of Portomarin.

Annual Mariapolis event decreases generational divisions

Grandmothers brought children to the retreat, watched over them, prayed about Jesus in their lives

Happy campers are all smiles as they spend a week focussing on increasing their love for "Jesus in the Eucharist." Father Clarke writes that it was a joy to offer priestly ministry as people conversed about the things that are really important. Photo submitted.

Recently I attended Mariapolis, the Focolare Retreat, in Langley, with over 100 others. Here are a few of my observations springing from that event that might lead to a fresh day-to-day unity with Jesus. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Australia's bishops reaffirm marriage, get reportsed to government

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In a recent pastoral letter on marriage, Australia's Catholic bishops reaffirmed Catholic teaching. And one of the bishops has countered a leading same-sex marriage activist who said the pastoral letter should be reported to the Tasmanian government for illegal bias. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Churches issue voters' guide

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Attack ads rule the airwaves. Sponsored Facebook posts are trying to flush out political supporters with a click. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CISVAAA Camino Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

Day Four: Triacastela to Sarria

Our walk today was shorter, only 18.5 kilometers, which meant that we arrived in Sarria in the early afternoon. We began the day with cooler temperatures and much of the path was shaded.  It was only entering Sarria that we encountered full sun.  We walked a beautiful, peaceful path today, through chestnut woods and past fields of lush crops. We were able to take the time to enjoy the different colours on our route, from the wildflowers that grow along the sides of the path to the lovely garden roses to the different hues of green and brown of the cultivated fields. We were able to experience the full spectrum of colours today.

We see familiar faces all along our route now, as all of us head in the same direction with the same stops on the journey. It is tremendous to feel a kinship with our fellow pilgrims: from those who stay in the albergues to those who stay outside; from those who travel alone to the families who travel together. As we said previously, the Camino means different things to different people.

Sarria is a bigger place than we have encountered in the past few days. It has been inhabited since ancient times and its present incarnation grew up around El Camino. The city grew and developed through the quest to serve the pilgrims passing through on the way to Santiago.  The devotion to El Camino is evident in the city, with murals and statues dedicated to the pilgrim and to Saint James. The restaurants offer menus for the 'peregrinos' and the citizens offer welcoming smiles and greetings. As we walked through the city, we felt the history of the Camino.  As we walked down the Escalinata Maior, the grand staircase in the centre of the city, we knew that we were walking in the steps of centuries of previous pilgrims. We walked on stones that were hewn in the shape of the feet of centuries of pilgrims taking our same steps. We are but a tiny clan in the entire history of pilgrims who have walked this journey of Saint James. What a privilege.

For more pictures, follow our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/pages/Cisvaaa-El-camino-pilgrimage

 

On our way!

 

A mural dedicated to the pilgrim.

 

Iglesia de Santa Marina

 

Cruceiro

 

Ugandan nun gives brief update on rural hospital

Sister Mary Margaret Ajiko cares for poor, orphans

Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, greets Sister Mary Margaret Ajiko of the Mary Immaculate order and Brigitta Perera, a Holy Cross parishioner. The sister hopes her mission appeal will raise funds to help children become "productive citizens." Special to The B.C. Catholic.

In a 2012 visit to Vancouver, a Ugandan nun said she used a "hand-held auger to drill into the patient's head" for a hematoma. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pray for the family synod, Pope asks

Pope Francis waves during a meeting with clergy, religious men and women, and seminarians at the El Quinche National Marian Shrine in Quito, Ecuador, July 8. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

"The Church will celebrate the Ordinary Synod devoted to the family, deepen her spiritual discernment, and consider concrete solutions to the many difficult and significant challenges facing families in our time," Pope Francis said July 6. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Media man developing anti-porn program

Dennis and Angelina Girard pose with Cardinal Raymond Burke during his June 3 visit to Ottawa. Deborah Gyapong (CCN).

Dennis Girard, who produced the Divine Mercy Rosary DVD released in 2014 with his wife Angelina, is developing a program to use the Rosary to help fight pornography addiction. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

CISVAAA Camino Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

Our first day, leaving Ponferrada, with our pilgrim shells shining.

 

A cross in the vineyard on the second day.

 

Gathered around the pilgrim statue at Alto do San Roque

 

CISVAAA Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela - Day 3: O Cebreiro to Triacastela

We had a bit of a relaxed start this morning, with a shorter distance to walk today, only twenty kilometers. We began in the mist and chill, wondering whether or not to wear our jackets. The mist soon cleared on our way down the mountain and the jackets became immaterial.  We had expected a largely downhill walk, but found that there was a good mix of both downhill and uphill.

As we entered Padornelo, we sat down at a restaurant for a rest and again chatted with some fellow pilgrims.  We met some brothers from the order of the Sacred Heart who were escorting a group of senior high school students on the Camino. One had some Canadian connections and we accompanied them partway on the journey, discovering the commonalities between our school experiences. We also met father and daughter pilgrims from the United States, who were making a spiritual journey together, making memories that neither would forget. As we journeyed down the mountain, we found ourselves on a cattle road and we shared our Camino journey with God's creatures.  What a treat!

As we entered Triacastela and found our hotel, we were glad to spend some time in relaxed companionship. We even had our restaurant server deliver Marian's mail to the mailbox, free of charge! We reviewed the day, made plans for tomorrow and thanked God together for the blessings of our journey.

Visit our CISVAAA Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/pages/Cisvaaa-El-Camino-Pilgrimage

Day Two: Villafranca del Bierzo to O Cebreiro

We started our day early, as we knew that it was going to be a long and difficult climb today. We had read and  been told that the first two days of our journey would be the most challenging and, of the two, the journey to O Cebreiro would be the toughest. We had a lovely breakfast of café con leche, toast and Spanish cake and we headed off as quickly as possible, after saying our daily pilgrim prayer.

The beginning of the journey was flat and cool but we soon realized that the guidebooks hadn't lied - we were headed for a steep climb. What an amazing path we followed! The climb was steep, long and difficult. Along the way, we met so many people, traveling both on foot and by bicycle and neither seemed easier.  Waldemar gave a push to a few cyclists to help them on their way in the spirit of the Camino. Every person we met managed a 'Buen Camino!' despite their fatigue. We clearly were on the same journey, for different reasons perhaps, bit all headed to the same destination.

After much climbing, we finally stopped for lunch in La Faba, at a restaurant called El Refugio, which was operated by a couple who had traveled on the Camino and had decided to come back to run the restaurant and to serve and support the hungry, tired pilgrims.  One of their guests at their hostel had been staying there for three weeks. The Camino speaks to everyone in different ways.

After a final five kilometers, to total thirty kilometers for the day, we arrived at O Cebreiro, a beautiful medieval village which was full of relieved, happy pilgrims and a welcoming community.  We stayed in a lovely farmhouse with a home-like feeling and delicious country food. Our evening ended with a mist rolling in, almost obscuring the view of the valley. Who would have imagined that we would be complaining of the cold, given the heat that we had faced during the day? It was mysterious and magical to see the mist rolling over the valley. It was an ethereal experience to end an amazing day.

Unique Ordination

Meet Father Salvatore

Pope Francis blesses a crucifix with holy water as he arrives for a meeting with priests in June. Now he has sent his blessing to a dying priest.  CNS photo / Paul Haring.

The life of Father Salvatore Mellone, who died June 29, was moving to thousands of people. He was to have at least two more years of seminary when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but by special permission and with the blessing of Pope Francis, he was ordained nevertheless. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Christian Heritage Party gains momentum

Christian Heritage Party leader Rod Taylor. Photo courtesy Christian Heritage Party.

The Christian Heritage Party (CHP) leader Rod Taylor says his pro-life, pro-family party is experiencing new momentum as the country prepares for the October election. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Day One: Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

We began our day with a delicious breakfast and friendly smiles and great enthusiasm in Ponferrada After all these months of preparation, we were finally going to embark on our Camino journey. We looked so fresh and clean that everyone knew it must be our first day. After attaching our pilgrim shells to our backpacks and taking a picture to mark the occasion, we set off. Our journey took us along highways and rustic byways through vineyards and small towns. What a beautiful day! We met many fellow pilgrims along the way and learned that everyone wishes one another 'Buen Camino!' as they pass. A good portion of our day was spent with Kaslo, our Japanese friend who had walked all the way from Paris on a very special journey of thanks.  As our walk ended, we were tired, hot, and had sore feet, but after some relaxed companionship and a lovely dinner in Villafranca del Bierzo, we were ready for bed, to refresh ourselves for our long journey tomorrow.

Canadian Medical Association releases draft rules on assisted suicide

Proposal includes 'cooling period' for person who makes request

Dr. Jeff Blackmer (right), executive director for ethics at the Canadian Medical Association,
speaks during a public consultation on end of life issues in Vancouver March 24, 2014.
Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

The government hasn't introduced any laws on assisted suicide yet, so the Canadian Medical Association has. A new draft document suggests how the practice could be regulated.

It requires two doctors declare that a person asking for assisted suicide is informed, competent, and acting voluntarily.

It also asks for two oral requests at least 15 days apart and then another written request at least seven days later so the patient has time to mull over the decision.

“We’re not trying to address all of the issues,” said CMA's Dr. Jeff Blackmer. “But it’s at least a start to the conversation, because we need to have something to talk about. Right now, it’s just all very theoretical.”

Read more from the National Post or the draft itself by following a link from CKNW.

Coptic Orthodox Church sends food to Muslims

Poor Egyptian families receive packages during Ramadan

Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church,
leads prayer in Cairo Feb. 17. (Photo: Mohamed Abd El Ghany, Reuters / CNS)

The Coptic Church of Saints Anthony and Paul are distributing food to Muslim families in the Egyptian district of Nasser.

Zenit reports that this is a new thing for the Coptic church, which was known to organize social events to close off Ramadan for Muslim neighbours in the past.

Coptic Catholic Bishop Anba Antonios Aziz Mina explains:

"In reality, lately those evening banquets had become very formal moments, and participation began to decline. So many Christian communities had the happy idea of using funds intended for such dinners for first aid to poor Muslims."

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Read more here.

Hearing a call: 'Just do it! Take a chance! Dive in!'

Committed religious provide a witness that makes Church attractive to non-Catholics, priest says

Father Denis Lemieux, a Madonna House priest, visited the Vancouver archdiocese in March and April. Deborah Gyapong / CCN.

Consecrated life provides a witness that makes the Church attractive, said a Madonna House priest. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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An opponent of same-sex marriage protests outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington June 18. CNS photo / Carlos Barria, Reuters.

A June 26 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the traditional understanding of marriage may pose huge obstacles to the free exercise of religion and conscience across the U.S., the nation's bishops have said in response to the decision. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Parish nurse national convention held in Saskatoon

Nurse takes time from her working day to receives ashes on Ash Wednesday. CNS photo / Gregory A. Shemitz.

Ethnic Diversity as a Mirror of God's Creativity was explored June 11-14 during a national convention of the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (CAPNM) held in Saskatoon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Ladies turn pillowcases into kids' dresses

Lil Friedrich and friends sew clothing for disaster-stricken communities overseas

Lil Friedrich (left) and Cecile Fischer, members of St. Mary's Parish, display the material they receive and the clothing they transform it into. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

Ladies in Chilliwack are transforming unwanted pillowcases into clothing for poor children in developing countries. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Supreme Court protects Pennsylvania charities from HHS mandate

Sister Jean Dwyan laughs Jan. 13 with Martah Spurgeon in the hallway of the St. Louis Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor, which serves about 100 people. CNS photo / Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review.

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued an order protecting a group of Pennsylvania religious institutions from being required by the federal contraception mandate to violate their faith. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Canadians don't realize implications of euthanasia, doctor says

Spanish Missionary of Charity Sister Paul supports a patient in 2009 at the House for the Dying in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. In a message for the 2015 World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis said "quality of life" proponents who think the gravely ill lead lives not worth living are peddling a great lie. CNS photo / Paul Jeffrey. 2014.

Canada's Supreme Court has ruled Canadians have the right to physician assistance in dying, but a professor of law and bioethics says Canadians don't realize "this would include 25 year olds in car accidents who have lost the use of their legs." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Carved wooden doors now welcome the faithful

New entranceway at Good Shepherd Church includes Biblical symbols, some with a local twist

Archbishop Miller stands with parishioners Helga and Vern Hoing in front of the new doors they helped fund at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey. Photo submitted to BCC.

Stars, angels, sheep, and other Biblical symbols now pepper the unique wooden doors to Good Shepherd Church. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Pope Francis answers question, 'What is faith?'

Pope Francis speaks as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square June 28. CNS photo / Paul Haring.

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Health professionals remain concerned

A sex education lecture is given at a mall in Metro Manila in 2014. Philippine bishops reminded health care workers they could claim conscientious objection to the new Reproductive Health Law. Saskatchewan doctors are concerned whether they can do the same. CNS photo / Erik De Castro, Reuters.

Advocates working to protect the rights of doctors and other health professionals to practice according to the dictates of their conscience remain concerned as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan considers a revised policy on conscientious objection. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Pope to travel to Latin America

Holy Father returns to the continent of his birth

Logos for Pope Francis' 9th Apostolic Journey (Photo Credit: Vatican News)

Pope Francis will be returning to Latin America to interact with the people of the continent. Throughout his journey, Pope Francis will travel to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay from July 5-13, says Vatican News.

All in all, Pope Francis is to spend 48 hours in each country, and each time he will be involved in a number of “common” events such as an audience with each President; a “sit-down” with the bishops, an encounter with civil society (representatives of business, indigenous people, the world of education, culture); a meeting with consecrated people.
Of course in each country he will also be involved in other events and situations as he is scheduled to visit a home for the aged run by the Sisters of Mother Teresa in Ecuador, a prison (one of the largest in Latin America) and a meeting with members of the World Meeting of Popular Movements in Bolivia; a children’s hospital and a slum area in Paraguay.

Pope Francis' trip will essentially be a homecoming, in the sense that it is the first time he will be back in his own continent since travelling to Rome for the conclave in 2013. Pope Francis will speak in his own language of Spanish during the trip.

Pro-life law blocked by US Supreme Court

Abortion clinics remain open after the US Supreme Court put new measures on hold

A group of Pro-lifers protest in Texas. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

 The US Supreme Court has allowed several abortion clinics in Texas to remain open, despite not falling under the new restrictions that were due on July 1, stated BBC News.

The justices voted 5-4 to grant an emergency appeal from the clinics after a federal appeals court had earlier upheld the new Texas law.
They require abortion clinics to meet hospital-grade standards and for doctors at the clinics to have admitting privileges at a local hospital.

With the justices voting 5-4 to grant an emergency appeal, clinics unable to meet restrictions will remain open until the Supreme Court decides whether it will hear the appeal from clinics.

Canadian musician to perform praise

Summer tour to travel West

Joe Zambon performing. (Photo Credit: Joe Zambon)

A free performance from Joe Zambon, an Ontario based singer, will occur at a local church.

"Joe is a true artist. You can feel the beauty of his heart coming through the beauty of his music. And all beauty leads, if we follow it, to Beauty itself…”
-Christopher West, Author, Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, & the Universal Longing"

Zambon was born with webbed fingers. However, following a successful surgery, he took up the piano and continued on to playing guitar, using his talents to praise the Lord through his reflective folk songs. He will be performing at St. Francis of Assisi on July 14. Coming from humble roots, Zambon performs to share the word of God in both song and story. There will be a special presentation of a film by James Penco, called "Set Apart".

Elementary goalie backstops aspiring Grade 6 stewards

St. Joseph's pupils collect $600 for The Door Is Open and donate more than 650 cans of food

Luca Huynh (in goal) makes a save. In May, St. Joseph's students collected 677 non-perishable items for a food bank. Alistair Burns / The B.C. Catholic.

Western Hockey League scouts take note, there's a rising star at St. Joseph's Elementary in Vancouver: the "King of the Altar Servers." For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Canadians for Clean Prosperity gets new executive director

A banner with a face is held by environmental activists in St. Peter's Square as Pope Francis leads the Angelus at the Vatican June 28. Some 1,500 people marched to the Vatican in support of the Pope's recent encyclical on the environment. CNS photo / L'Osservatore Romano, handout.

Mark Cameron, a former policy director for Prime Minister Harper, has become the executive director of Canadians for Clean Prosperity, an environmental think tank. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.

Budding writers learn about faith

After-school workshop teaches English and builds character

Young students read, write, and draw book covers at an afterschool writing class run by Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner Nancy May. The private tutor started the workshop during last year's B.C. teachers' strike. Agnieszka Krawczynski / The B.C. Catholic.

A Grade 3 student at Corpus Christi Elementary School hopes to write books like Geronimo Stilton some day. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.


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Evangelization means getting your hands dirty

Father Gregory Hrynkiw / Paul Paproski, OSB / Prairie Messenger.

North Americans are generous in giving to charities and supporting programs that help the poor, but they have become disconnected with people, Father Gregory Hrynkiw of Saskatoon said at the annual Ukrainian Catholic clergy retreat of the Eparchy of Saskatoon. For full story see The B.C. Catholic website.