Beloved Family:
I am continually amazed at how much one does not see from a car. I consider myself a moderately observant person. In fact, I would understand if some individuals were to offer me free advice to face forward when driving rather than looking out one side or another to take note of a landmark or other sight. However, even as a passenger, often things are passing by at such a rate that one misses “each” due to a “blur of all.”
I am particularly aware of this because over the past few weeks, I have been walking considerably more than usual, in preparation for my pilgrimage to Spain and the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I have alternated routes, collectively representing a good number of the roads and streets I have traveled habitually in an automobile, in twenty-three years of Wooster Wayne County residency. Let me tell you, there are homes and buildings and landscape details that I have experienced as brand new, on foot. It is a real gift.
Speaking of gifts, thank you to so many who have expressed joy for my having this opportunity for pilgrimage/retreat. I do not believe that Fr. David has ever served as an official cheerleader in athletic events, but one could not ask for a more enthusiastic show of support from a brother. He could be constantly reminding me of how rugged an approach he took in contrast to my itinerary; instead, he has offered only full-on encouragement.
Again, this weekend, the notebooks of pages to be filled with your personal prayer intentions will be available at the portico entrance as well as the Beall Avenue exit of church. You are welcome to associate your name with an intention, but that is fully optional. I will carry those at all times, in my backpack.
I depart on Labor Day and return on September 18. In addition to a portion of the Camino, our group will also be visiting Avila, a holy place associated with Saint Teresa of Jesus and Saint John of the Cross—both Carmelites and major reformers within the Church. Finally, before flying home we will travel to Fatima. Clearly, Mary desires a portion of my focus on the trip, and so appropriately! Within the dates of this journey, the Church will celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows—also my baptismal day. Additionally, we will mark the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)—such a liturgically rich time.
Certainly, I have heard of priests sending “journal entries” home to the parish while away or creating a blog with narrative and photographs. Beyond the fact that I am not tech-savvy, knowing my temperament, I could fairly easily become distracted by that activity. Instead, I have decided to employ my phone in a minimalist manner, even to avoiding taking photographs for the most part. I believe the Lord is inviting me to allow my “live senses” to do the recording. Just pray my memory is sufficiently intact so as to remember things to share when I return (I do hope to be faithful to journaling as we go).
It is fairly typical for those promoting the Camino to speak in terms of making “your Camino.” I understand the meaning behind this. Still, I ask that you all pray that this will be His Camino, the experience He ordains me to have, and that I will be docile to all the ways He chooses to reveal Himself to me and teach me lessons needed to lead me to deeper discipleship.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
