Camino de Santiago set to take place in August 2019, promises an unforgettable experience filled with breath-taking views, prayer, and new friendships. Photo: Sourced.
By Amanda Murthy
The Camino de Santiago, set to take place in 2019, promises an unforgettable experience filled with breath-taking views, prayer, and new friendships, says its organiser Shirley-Ann Poulton.
This will be the third camino organised by the Whitford parishioner, departing from Perth on 30 August 2019 from the St Jean Pied de Port (France) and finishing on 9 October 2019 in Santiago de Compostela (Spain).
The two previous caminos in 2014 covered the French Pyrenees into Santiago de Compostela, and the Portuguese Way camino in 2016.
Shirley-Ann confirmed the pilgrims will complete the 750km walk, undertaking an average of 20kms each day. They will be carrying backpacks containing water, snacks and any other items they may require for the day’s journey.
“I love walking the camino as it gives me a chance to reflect on my life and where I’m heading. I enjoy the wonderful walks through farms, orchards, villages, hills, towns, and love being able to meet new groups of people from other countries.
“Another wonderful aspect of the camino is the fact that each village we stay at every night has a Church. The parishioners are very welcoming to all pilgrims, inviting us for the 7pm evening Mass where a special blessing is administered to each pilgrim,” she cited.
Shirley-Ann explained from previous experiences that having the privilege of attending Mass with the locals every day whilst being able to praying together as a community, strengthens the pilgrim’s faith and belief.
“For this trip, I am looking forward to entering Santiago de Compostela and going straight to St James’ Cathedral, which will be the pinnacle of the pilgrimage.
“Completing these caminos makes me feel that I have indeed accomplished something wonderful.”
She said there are still several spots left, and encouraged participation from all age groups, adding that the cost is very reasonable, and will include accommodation for all days in a three or four-star hotel with breakfasts and dinners.
“We will be meeting with those interested for an information session in the next few months at Whitford Parish.
“We will also arrange for the group to meet on a Sunday afternoon at Bold Park where we will ‘practise’ walking as Bold Park is similar to the terrain which leads us to Santiago de Compostela, so that everyone is well-prepared.”
For more information and to register your interest, email shirleyann.poulton@gmail.com or call 0424 813 890.