In November and December 2017, two groups of students from Newman College in Melbourne, joined by Fr Sacha Bermudez-Goldman SJ, undertook part of the Camino de Santiago, travelling northwards to Santiago from Portugal.
These were the second and third Camino pilgrimages made by Newman students last year. In July, the first group had travelled across Spain from Le?n to Santiago, accompanied by the College Chaplain, Mr Chris O’Connor.
Here are some reflections from the participating students.
‘An edifying and exhausting experience, the Camino de Santiago offered countless occasions to meet other travellers and, importantly, to meet oneself. Such introspection is by no means easy, but support was found in our Jesuit companion and fellow pilgrims on the journey. We ended our pilgrimage strengthened with gratitude and courage.’
‘My third time on the Camino, walking through Portugal and Spain, struck me for the extent to which it helped me rediscover the joy of pilgrimage. A joyful spirituality with moments of awe, hours of hospitality and welcome, and days of true companionship with fellow pilgrims: this is what I learnt from this Camino.’
‘Despite all the physical and mental challenges that we encountered, all of us journeyed on this pilgrimage to Santiago with perseverance and fortitude for 15 days. At the beginning our destination seemed unreachable, but along the way we learnt that it was achievable. We became stronger, as the pilgrimage showed its way. Yes, the Camino walked me. But I walked the Camino, too.’