On the Cross, the last words of Christ were, “It is finished,” as he surrendered His Spirit to the Father. His mission on earth was complete, but the Resurrection ushered in a new mission that will endure until Christ returns, the mission rooted in the Church. The Advent mystery celebrates our waiting patiently for Christ’s Second Coming, He can’t return soon enough!!!
As I mentioned in a previous post, the Camino begins when I return to Chicago, late on the 27th of November and open the front door of the rectory. Then, it all begins. as the blessings of this journey become a part of the tapestry of my life, giving it new contours, pathways and colors as I wait in advent hope for Christ to come into my life in surprising ways.
And God came through with my first blessing, even though it just took place in Santiago. I received my Compostela, the Certificate of the Camino, acknowledging that I began on October 23 and finished today, November 22nd, which is my father’s 99th birthday.
What a relief of an accomplishment that definitely tried my spirit and my body. The woman who stamped my passport for the last time, came around the counter and gave a huge, long hug. So beautiful!! I’ve been walking around in a bit of a haze, just feeling grateful, as the cold breeze made my steps surprisingly light and airy, especially without the backpack.
And then my mind focused on getting back to Chicago. I checked my email and found the e-ticket. I decided to walk to the train station to make sure the ticket was valid and to verify where, exactly, I was to be this Tuesday. I’m not missing this train to Madrid.
As I walked up the stairs from the station to return to the Old City, God’s surprise happened: the young South Korean man I met a few days ago, Nabukim, bumped into me and shouted my name! Truly unbelievable but this was no accident or chance meeting. It was meant to be. He was standing next to a young woman named Jo. They were planning on getting a bus to go to Finisterre, “the end of the earth,” which is the Atlantic Ocean.
We were both so taken aback and Jo only shared in the joy. And then she said she was going to Portugal in a few days the visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. She loves Mary. And given my previous post, I love her, too. The entire encounter was a surprise that I will carry with me until I breath my last breath and hopefully will say, “It is finished,” only to be given new breath, new purpose, fulfilled hope as the Risen Lord leads me forth to continue a new, never ending camino, with NO backpack. Only companions of love.
Fr. Frank's Camino de Santiago 
Thank you so much, Fr. Frank, for sharing this journey with us.
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bravo! What an achievement! Cannot wait to hear even more of your stories in church! So glad you are well!
God bless,
Becky Lutkus
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Well done! Thank you for your Camino and for sharing it with us. Maybe Portugal is the next Camino with a stop in Fatima?
Safe travels and buen camino!
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What a beautiful end to this journey, as you start your next one back in Chicago! Your St. Teresa’s family is ready to welcome you home!
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Dear Father Frank,
Congratulations on completing the Camino! What an incredible accomplishment and a beautiful journey both physically and spiritually. Your reflections on this final leg of the pilgrimage and the surprise encounters along the way truly capture the depth and grace of this experience. The way you tie this milestone to Advent’s mystery and hope is so inspiring.
We are thrilled that you’ll soon be back in Chicago and look forward to welcoming you home at Saint Teresa of Avila. We’ve missed you dearly and can’t wait to hear more about how this journey has transformed your life.
Best regards,
Rafael, Glauci, and Alice
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A new Camino, with no backpack–I love it! Thank you so much, Father Frank, for this wonderful series of posts. Every step of the way, you seem to have kept yourself open to the possible meaning in every encounter, no matter how small. This has been a great inspiration for me. I hope I can make the rest of my life a camino with no backpack.
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Padre, what an amazing journey. Congratulations on reaching Santiago. It has been a blessing to join you on this pilgrimage and read the wonderful experiences you have had. God bless
Nick
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Congratulations Fr. Frank! What an amazing journey you have made, and what an inspiration you are. I am grateful for you, your blessings and for sharing your countless steps and stories along the way. Sending love, Christine & Charlie
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You raise us up so we can stand on mountains.
You raise us up to walk on stormy seas.
We are strong when we are on Your shoulders.
You raise us up to more than we can be.
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Father Frank-
What an amazing accomplishment. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. We are so proud of you and inspired by you. You walk to raise funds and to bring awareness to those that need it most. So inspiring. Also really appreciate the tie into your personal life. Love that you finished on what would be your dad’s 99th birthday.
we miss you and will see you soon to start a beautiful Advent season.
Kristen
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Congratulations Father Frank! What a Camino! Best wishes for smooth travels back to Chicago – looking forward to more stories. We enjoyed your travel blog very much.
Laura and Craig
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