A common theme of this, my fourth Camino, is walking alone, since much of the infrastructure of the Camino is closing down due to the few pilgrims walking. I knew this would be the case, but didn’t realize the impact it would have on me.
I’ve adjusted walking alone by not expecting much socialization, or anticipating interacting with many pilgrims. The few I have encountered have been friendly and welcoming, but could not speak much English and my Spanish is limited. I just spent over an hour talking with a woman and her husband in a tiny cafe outside Astorga, the owners. We used our phones with the translation App and did quite well. trying to communicate. She helped me get a taxi for the next village, since I need to stop walking after 13 miles due to signify muscle pain in upper leg. I’m fine.
I’m now at a great hotel in a town called Ponferrada, which is largely deserted. The solitary journey continues, allowing me the time to reflect and pray. I do not feel lonely at all because I have the gift of a beautiful “inner” journey, enriched by memories that are vivid and surface at just the right time. The people who have gone before me, family, friends, parishioners, the saints I have come to love, all accompany me throughout my “external” journey that has brought me here to Spain to venerate the bones of St. James in Santiago.
The journey continues from village to village, eventually to Santiago in about eight days and then back to Chicago, St. Teresa’s and beyond, wherever God wishes to lead me. Pilgrimages are simply external expressions of the internal journeys we all are on. All my daily walks around Chicago are small pilgrimages that make my inner journey more vivid and dynamic. They give life to my ministry, teaching, preaching and daily life.
I have learned during this solitary journey that I like the company I keep!!! The vast majority of my time alone I am engaging in all the memories that continue to surface of the people who have made such a difference in my life. These people become my prayer: I pray for them and they accompany me…how can I possibly be lonely?? My life is not dull or lonely because of all the experiences I have had with beautiful people at every stage of my life.
Finally, memories aren’t always pleasant or good. Actually, some of the memories we carry can be quite painful. This solitary journey has given me the time to be sorrowful for the ways I have hurt people and to let mercy and forgiveness heal the memories of people who have caused me sorrow. Broken relationships can be healed even if the person has passed away. Reconciliation can be a possibility. I have had many tears of joy and many tears of sadness. That’s life…
Tomorrow, I’m off to my favorite place on the Camino and one of my favorite places I have ever visited: O’Cebreiro, the first village in Galicia with Santiago just ahead. I’m doing this with the help of a taxi, since it’s the most strenuous part of the Camino, extremely so. My memory is quite vivid on this point.
Fr. Frank's Camino de Santiago 
wow! I cannot imagine walking day after day alone. I am such a talker- with anyone! I am not a fan of silence. I am so impressed and in awe of your ability to use alone time for the greater good. Gives me something to think about today, Fr Frank. Beautiful pictures- good that you have a taxi!
God’s speed,
Becky Lutkus
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This entry and the photos reminder me of the shutdown of Covid, alone time and making it work for gain. The taxi is a smart decision. Hail Mary….
Theresa J
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Dear Father Frank,
Our family—Rafael, Glauci, and little Alice from Chicago—follows your Camino de Santiago journey daily through your blog. It’s a joy to read each post and track your progress on Google Maps, comparing distances and watching you get closer to Santiago. We pray every day for your safety and blessings along the way. Wishing you a safe, blessed journey filled with inspiration and peace. You have our heartfelt support all the way!
With warmest regards from Chicago,
Rafael, Glauci, and Alice
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Your writing today describes the difference between being alone and being lonely. Even in your alone time, what joy to not be lonely!
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“I have learned during this solitary journey that I like the company I keep!!!” — What a great lesson, Father! Thanks so much for this! We don’t have to be lonely during periods of being alone!
And boy are those pictures desolate-looking! Not at all what I would have expected of the Camino. They really helped me understand your thoughts.
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The photos you shared are really helpful in understanding how alone you are physically. How wonderful that you feel the presence of others as you continue on the journey. Stay healthy, strong & connected to your memories.
Nancy Van Grinsven
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You raise us up to more than we can be.
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You’re truly an inspiration, Fr. Frank. 4th Camino you’ve been on and yet you know how difficult and dangerous and lonely it is but you rise to the challenge and you do it.
I loved this particular phrase you wrote –
“Pilgrimages are simply external expressions of the internal journeys we all are on.” I’m in awe of your strength and courage and hope one day I am strong enough to experience this kind of solitary journey.
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I am enjoying reading about your journeys…brings back lots of Camino memories. I know you are nearing the end of your walk – have a great day tomorrow and may Mary and Jesus guide you as you make your way to Santiago… Anna
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Ponferrada is where I began my journey!
Mary
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