How do you find security in your life? As I approach retirement, I’m feeling much less secure, financially. I didn’t plan things out too well. So many people I know have multiple investments in IRA’s, Portfolios, real estate and pensions, for those of us old enough to know all about pensions and how they are not so secure.

Today’s gospel all about a man searching for security in the things of this world. building larger and larger barns, filling each to capacity, thinking at some point, he can relax, enjoy life, eat, drink and be merry!! What a fool this man is. When he dies, all m the things he thought would bring him security died with him.

I’m slowly learning that security in retirement ultimately means being satisfied with what you have and accepting the limited number of choices one can make. Money may bring a degree of freedom and security, but the true security lies deep within our hearts, where Christ dwells. Surrender to Christ’s love and you will discover a security nothing or no one can take from you.

I am writing this in a world of chaos: a train station in the heart of Paris. Hundreds and hundreds of people winding around with all sorts of luggage in arms or trailing behind, people trying to find the right platform. I couldn’t even find the trains!!!

Truly… but I’m at peace in this cacophony of humanity, missing one train waiting four hours for the next. I must remind myself that I am a pilgrim, making a bit of progress as I journey to the Pyrenees.

Peace. Fr. Frank

Well, I was supposed to have a Business Upgrade, allowing me entrance into the fabled “Polaris Lounge” but was quickly denied entrance. It seems I was put on a waiting list and was told I wound never make the upgrade given the totally booked flight.

So here I sit at airport, waiting to board at 5:30. I got here early to have a grand lunch in that upper crust lounge. I ended up eating a dry Starbuck’s sandwich with lukewarm coffee, the worst kind of coffee. A pilgrimage is supposed to be about self denial, simplicity, and economy class. I’m off to a great start.

Peace. Fr. Frank

just to let anyone who sends me a comment, I’m not sure how to reply. The reply button seems to be for those who are replying to my post. Hopefully, I’ll figure this out.

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.

Map of Spain

Many people ask me how do you know where you are going for 500 miles? Do you get lost? The answer to the last question is a resounding YES, one can get lost. In terms of how do you make it all the way to Santiago from the French/Spanish border?

Simple. Follow the yellow arrows. All along the way, on tree trunks, along the path, on walls of houses or restaurants are yellow arrows painted or spray painted along the pathway. “Keep your eyes open,” is the key mantra, especially when there is the ubiquitous “fork in the road,” and there are many.

In the 1980’s, a priest actually made it his mission to paint yellow arrows all along the way at various intervals. Also, there are metal signs with the arrow or a shell, which is a symbol of the Camino, pointing the way. Many of the larger towns or cities have metal shells embedded in the pavement. Before that, you were on your own. The key to remember: make sure you are walking West

Buen Camino.

It’s just over three weeks until the Camino journey begins. I’m slowly getting into the training, which is going rather slowly. My last Camino was over 8 years ago, which means I’m a lot older. And it feels like it. As the day draws nearer, I’m opening myself up more in prayer, asking Christ to lead me. My hope is that the journey is rooted in a purpose that will unfold as I walk. Please keep me in prayer that the Camino helps to raise necessary funds for our Outreach Ministries. We are off to a good start with nearly $3,000 donated.

To donate, go to Give Central https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/209-St_Teresa_of_Avila and find “frfrankscamino” and donate there.

“Like streams of living waters,” a beautiful verse from the psalms and John’s gospel, pointing each one of us deep within our hearts. These waters are the Spirit, flowing in the subterranean depths of our beings, waiting to be let go. Lent is the season to tap into these flowing waters of life and love. Prayer, fasting, and helping the poor are ways to go deep. Lent is all about letting the waters of Baptism out of their enclosed recesses and into our consciousness. Transformation. Beauty. Truth. These are the gifts that help us RISE with the Risen One. We are all destined for an eternal Easter. We are an Easter People!!!

Peace. Fr. Frank