Before I reflect on the first walking day of our pilgrimage, I want the parishioners at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City and St. Anthony’s Parish in Hereford, TX to know that Fr. Tony & I are including you in our prayers on our Camino. Last night, in the Church of Notre Dame du Bout du Pont, we lighted a candle (the tallest one in the photo above) in prayer for you. Please pray for us .
9/26/2019, 15:00:
Suffering & pain are part of the human condition.
After a rigorous walk of 5 miles with an elevation rise of 2,200 feet, Fr. Tony & I spent last night in the “refuge” (the French word for hostel) of Orisson with about 45 other individuals.
After a delicious communal dinner, each of the 45 pilgrims gave their name, country & reason for being on the Camino. The reasons ranged from “I’m here because my wife, Mary, voluntold me to take care of Fr. Tony” (Guess who said that!) to many individuals whose lives are in turmoil, for reasons from troubled marriages to difficulties with adult children; they are hurting and looking for the pilgrimage on the Camino to help them find answers. It made me realize that my troubles are minuscule compared to the pain and suffering of others. As a result, my goal for my Camino is to be a good listener to those with whom I interact.
The Virgin of Orisson, a statue of virgin & child, brought by shepherds to the Pyrenees from Lourdes.
Fr. Tony crossing the border from France into Spain at the Fountain of Roland.
Jim Olshefski