Days 4: Camino

Friday, Sept 27


Today we went from Portomarin to Palas de Rei, about 16 miles.  I hated to leave the warm bed in my hobbit house (pictured abvoe!) There were several rooms in this hobbit house! 

Today I carried my rock for priests, religious, seminarians, and discerners. They need prayers!

I ran into lots of great people along the way today.

There was a man from Italy who talked for about an hour or so with me and another pilgrim from our group as we walked. He had much to share about his camino adventures; he has done it several times, and from several routes. He believes in humanity, he told me -- and he loves the camino because he sees humanity at its best. 

And there is truth there.

What you see on the Camino is sort of what it would be nice to see everywhere!  Kindness, openness, friendliness, helpfulness, common purpose.

He spoke about Donativos, where are places that folks can stay in bunk bed arrangements along the way. You give what you can -- and no questions are asked. They feed you, give you a place to stay, and you go in the morning.  If you can give more, you do; that will help the next person who maybe can't give as much. 

He said he had met so many good people in this way.  He shared that perhaps he believes in God, because if man is made in the image of God, God must be good. But he had his reservations. But before parting he asked me to bless his rosary and then to bless him. I was happy to do so.

I met a blind monk in one of the chapels. His job is to greet pilgrims, stamp their passports, make them feel at home. I'm not certain I understand what he said, but clearly he was a man of God. 

I met a nun taking care of a horse. She didn't really seem to want to talk, but I enjoyed seeing her along the way.  The horse ate part of my poncho

There was a beautiful church along the way that was open, which made me so happy. Many of them are closed, unfortunately, at least in the afternoon.  And this one even had Jesus in the tabernacle!  So I did a holy hour there. I knelt down, and glanced at my watch - it was exactly 3:00--the hour of mercy.  So I started the hour with a Divine Mercy Chaplet. What a lovely time. 

As I exited the church, I was delighted to run into a woman going in. She was from Mexico. She looked me in the eye and said she had something for me. She reached into her bag and gave me a rosary from Our Lady of Guadalupe. I told her I love Our Lady of Guadalupe. She said, "she loves you more." And that was that. I promised to pray the rosary for her and her family the first time I prayed it. And I did so right away. 


But then a couple bumped into me who knew my name. I don't know how. But they were so kind and gracious. 

So many people started chatting today with me. I can't now remember who all came to me, but for each I prayed a Hail Mary after talking with them.

A rainbow showed up just as we were finishing our walk for the day! SO MANY MIRACLES!  God is with us!

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