September 7 - 14, 2024.
The Western Association gratefully accepted a second invitation from the Spanish Federation to join them, along with a Malade, to walk the Camino de Santiago. The Order assembled a team composed of Knights, Dames, Auxiliary Members, volunteers, and a Malade who would be carried on a joelette (a special wheelchair) during the Pilgrimage. On September 7th, the pilgrims began their journey to retrace the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims on the Camino Francis. Along the way, the pilgrims visited Churches, monuments, and Commanderies related to the Order. Below are the day-to-day reflections of the pilgrims:
“The Journey of a Lifetime” September 7, 2024
For six months we have been preparing for the journey of a lifetime and it’s finally here. Last night, all the teams arrived: USA, Albania, Czech, and Spain. Filled with excitement, we shared a wonderful meal as those who walked in years past shared their memories. We learned how to use the joëlettes, the carts to carry the Malades. We are filled with joy and open expectations.
-- Karsen Paylor, wife of Malade Robert Paylor, is an acclaimed volleyball player and marathon runner. A volunteer member of the team, she is from the Sacramento area.
Day 1: “It’s certain that God’s love is ever-present with each step we take.” September 8, 2024
Today, all of our anticipation was actualized as we took our first steps on the Camino de Santiago! As I reflect on this day, I think back to a daily practice I learned at Jesuit High School, the Ignatian examen. One question we meditated on stands out to me in particular: “When did you experience God’s love today?” On this first bout of our journey, God’s love was abounding and overflowing.
I experienced God’s love taking in the gorgeous views of the Spanish landscape. I experienced His love through the members and volunteers of the Order of Malta, carrying me through this Camino. I heard it when a fellow pilgrim said “buen camino!” or “buenas dias!” as we crossed paths on the trail. I saw it through the breathtaking beauty of the Leon Cathedral, and I received into my soul when celebrating Mass.
It’s certain that God’s love is ever-present with each step we take, and today, it was palpable in every interaction, every view, and every moment shared with my fellow pilgrims.
Robert Paylor, Malade
Day 2: “No words necessary: just an open heart and caring hands,” September 9, 2024
Now it’s Day 2 of lacing up my shoes. There have been so many experiences that God has placed me in and that have deepened my Catholic faith. I have been truly shown the beauty of “one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.”
Due to logistics, I was asked to be a part of the Spanish team. What a beautiful experience it has been! Three wonderfully kind men and gentle Perico our Malade do not speak English such that we can readily communicate. I thought this would be an added challenge but in fact Jesus has reminded me of His beautiful ways. While maneuvering the cart (it can be tricky to get the proper “push and pull” dynamic working effectively) we ALL relied on our hearts, hands and eyes to communicate. No words were necessary … lots of laughter and light banter in understanding each other’s needs. In the end we worked together like a fine-tuned machine. My Camino experience thus far has shown me a sense of companionship and “oneness” with my Spanish teammates (no words needed!) that is priceless .
Buen Camino!
Cindy Powers, Order of Malta Auxiliary, Oakland
Day 3: “Our Lord’s Malades have given us much more than anything we can provide.” September 10, 2024
On our third day of El Camino, we are moved by the sheer beauty of Spain’s lush mountains. They are yet another reminder of God’s tremendous creation. Day by day we grow closer to each pilgrim despite the language barrier of seven nationalities represented. Our pilgrimage director Carlos, KM, España is a kind and gentle soul and has led us along this grace filled spiritual journey.
Our Lord’s Malades (Robert-USA, Perico-España, Vojta-Checksolvica, Daniel-Albania) have given us much more than anything we can provide. Their humility, courage, and faith are truly inspirational as we witness God’s grace working through them.
Today’s journey has by far been the most difficult to date. We traversed through the de Galicia mountain range. Bonded by prayer as our blessed Malade Robert led us in a Rosary, dedicated to our families and those who asked us of our prayers along our pilgrimage.
After a delicious Spanish picnic lunch at an ancient church of the 6th century, enlarged and restored by the Knights of Malta in the 13th century, we enjoyed Mass -- a fitting way to end the afternoon after a very challenging hike.
Tim Powers, Oakland, California
Day 4: Observations from the Captain, September 11, 2024
As we adapt to the rhythm of the Camino, I thought I would share several observations:
1) With no competition for our time, we have the opportunity to truly be present for one another. There are no text notifications or appointments to keep. Our friendships are developing quickly – almost in dog years.
2) We are also adapting to the routine – up early for a light breakfast and we head for the Camino. We start our day on the trail with morning prayers and a contemplative mood. Our stages are nicely scheduled and the van always greets us with water, nuts, and chocolate.
3) After a day of walking, we arrive at a local restaurant with reserved tables, and a full midday lunch. Starters, multiple courses, desserts, beer, and wine reward us for our efforts of the day.
4) Our accommodations in the evening vary considerably. We had one luxury night at a hotel, however, the rest of the evenings have been in various alburgue/ hostel/ dormitory-style rooms. As evidence of our adaptation, one pilgrim declared last night’s accommodations (our closest quarters yet) her favorite - as if we were truly a family.
Abrazos,
Karen McClintock, Captain
Day 5: “Mist and Drizzle,” September 12, 2024
It's fascinating to see how God works in mysterious ways. Just as we anticipated a day without surprises, the rain arrived—not the heavy California kind I am used to, more like a coastal mist combined with a light drizzle. Rain, joëlettes, gravel, and the fatigue from day five of trekking created the perfect recipe for an adventure.
We had hoped the rain to ease before reaching our starting point, but it only intensified. Our morning prayer book pages clung together, our grips tightened, and we all looked like a cheerful family in matching white rain ponchos—perfect for a memorable photo!
We also encountered many pilgrims who had been walking the Camino for the past 100 kilometers. While the route was crowded, it was heartening to meet so many friendly people eager to hear about our journey and our pilgrims’ stories.
Karsen Paylor, wife of Malade Robert Paylor, is an acclaimed volleyball player and marathon runner. A volunteer member of the team, she is from the Sacramento area.
Day 6: A Warm and Joyous Welcome, September 13, 2024
As we journey and enter Santiago Compostela I can’t help but think of the millions of pilgrims who passed before me. We enter with mix emotions -- happy knowing yes we are finished but sad knowing that our pilgrimage is near over. Friendships formed in the pass week have been one of the fruits of this incredible journey. The warm and joyous welcome as we entered the Cathedral Plaza will forever be a memory of joy and happiness. The magnificence of the cathedral is overwhelming and a fitting end to a very blessed trip. Our journey along El Camino has been a time of prayer, reflection and yes sometimes a time of struggle. The pilgrimage has been a treasure and unforgettable experience.
Tim Powers
Day 7: “Like standing at the gates of Heaven,” September 14, 2024
Describing what this Camino meant to me won’t be easy, because the emotions I felt were connected to so much more than just a one-week pilgrimage. I have battled quadriplegia for more than seven years, and it has shaped my identity and faith. I’ve made great strides in my recovery, but never did I think I would have the chance to traverse 100 kilometers through Spain’s countryside. To go from being unable to feed myself or breathe, to completing one of the most physically demanding religious pilgrimages is a journey I feel blessed beyond words to have completed. It has been the experience of a lifetime to join the ranks of the millions of people who have gone to great lengths to revere the Apostle James, and draw nearer to his friend, Jesus Christ.
I saw this Camino as a unique opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a good friend to Jesus. In my prayers, I would reflect on the things James would have seen, heard, and felt as he spent time with our Lord. Over this past week, I have had those same feelings that I imagine James had as an Apostle of Christ, shown through the deeds of those whom God brought together on this pilgrimage.
As I was carried through villages, mountains, and plains, I could feel the Holy Spirit drawing us in, as if Christ was pushing my cart along with our team. As we enjoyed dinner together each night, sharing stories and jokes, I’m certain that Christ was right there, laughing with us and enjoying the conversation. When we made our triumphant arrival in Santiago, greeted by the applause of all of those in the plaza, I know in my heart that Jesus was cheering with them, smiling as we basked in the beauty of Santiago de Compostela and the victory of completing our journey.
Reflecting on the moment I looked up at the stunning Cathedral, it’s difficult to explain my feelings of awe and the undeniable presence of Christ, but if I had to do my best, I would say it felt like standing at the gates of Heaven. In a way, it felt like my whole life had been leading to that moment, no longer held back by the limitations of my disability, but overcome with God’s love that was received and shared throughout this week. It showed me that regardless of my physical abilities, I can experience the fullness of life, because God has sent His people to carry me through any challenge I face.
Robert Paylor, Malade
