Yesterday, I made my way downtown to vote, since I will be leaving for the Camino tomorrow, October 20. I was surprised by how few people there were to vote, so it took less than five minutes. I must admit that this vote was not easy, given the number of issues I’m looking at: the care of the poor , the refugee, those having no health care, the unborn, the many struggling to make ends meet, a solid education for all children, and the list goes on. I’ve never been a “one issue voter,” since so many realities attack the dignity of the human person.

I’m walking in the Camino to raise funds for those individuals whose dignity is threatened by poverty, indifference and the need to leave one’s home and country to find a safe way to live. Today is Mission Sunday, a time to reflect on the many refugees fleeing into our country from living in the fear of violence and oppression. Our parish does so much to help those who are trying to build a new life in Chicago and we have a number of volunteers ministering to families from a number of countries, seeking safety. Please support this ministry in whatever way you can, perhaps even to volunteer your time to help people in their transition to a new life.
I leave tomorrow for Spain. Pray all goes well.
peace. Fr. Frank

Hanging on every backpack on the Camino is the shell. The reason it became a symbol of the Camino is a mixture of legend and symbol. St James, “Santiago” in Spanish, was the first of the apostles to have been martyred for his faith in Christ. It is believed that James traveled to Spain to teach the gospel. After spending time in Spain spreading the Good News, he returned to the Holy Land and was then martyred.

After his martyrdom, a few disciples brought his body back to Spain and it is believed the sea shell filled the shore line along the ocean in Spain. Another legend says a “figure” of a man covered in sea shells emerged from the waters and walked on the beach front, supposedly being James.

It is believed that the body of James was buried in a field and discovered in the seventh or eighth century and the cathedral was built over the spot of burial. Venerating his bones became the purpose of creating the pilgrimage. More likely, the pilgrimage was created by the church to attract countless Christians to journey to Spain, “re-conquering” Spain from the Moors or Muslims.

In all likelihood, the shell became a symbol of the Camino simply because of its association with baptism, the shell being used to pour the waters of baptism over the individual’s head. And Jesus called the first disciples along the seashore, the place where shells wash in from the depths of the ocean.

The legends are interesting but the truth much more enriching.

My backpack is a 65L Osprey, way too large but I had to exchange my 55L for the 65L. Most pilgrims use less than 50L but this is just too small. Because I’m walking mainly in November, I need clothes for two seasons. My medication, alone, ways nearly 3 pounds. My pack contains:

A second set of clothing for each day: shirt, t shirt, underwear and sox, plus a pair of thin long underwear a pair of long sleeve undershirts. It’s all about layering. Temps go from 35-65 degrees.

Toiletries, blister treatment, laundry detergent, electrical, phone cords and a charger, flip flops, rain jacket and pants, light weight down jacket, hat and gloves, small head lamp, liter container for water, walking shoes for evenings, all medications, travel bag for checked backpack, extra pair of wool socks, small chalice, plate and hosts for Mass.

Pack weight neatly 27 pounds, including water.

Wish me luck.