Nine boys from Bishop O'Connell, along with Chaplain, Father Peter McShurley and three fathers of the students, completed a thirteen-day walking pilgrimage of the Camino de Santiago on July 15.
Father McShurley had walked the same path seven years ago and had the idea come to him while on retreat this past year. He selected boys who would be rising juniors and seniors who could then bring the experience back to the school for the coming year. He chose to walk the "Camino Primitivo" which is known as one of the most difficult routes due to the mountainous terrain and limited resources along the way. This route is also known as the original pilgrimage path taken by King Alfonso II of Asturias in 813. The route begins at the Oviedo Cathedral which houses the Sudarium of Oviedo which is believed to be the cloth that was wrapped around the head of Jesus Christ when he was buried and was later found in the tomb as described in John 20:6-7.
"Starting our pilgrimage in Oviedo allowed us to begin our pilgrimage with a clear focus on Jesus and His action in our lives, " said Father McShurley. "My prayer especially for the young people on this pilgrimage has been that through daily Mass, time set aside for prayer, and the daily strenuous hike, we begin to see more clearly God's action in our lives and learn some of the spiritual lessons that we can bring back to our daily lives."
Ed Fitzpatrick, Director of Campus Ministry at Bishop O'Connell participated in the pilgrimage and said, "Starting in Oviedo and praying in front of the facial burial cloth of Jesus and then walking 214 miles to the tomb of one of his closest friends truly made this a religious pilgrimage for our students."
The group started the pilgrimage on July 3 and walked more than 210 miles to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on July 15 to venerate the relics of St. James the Great.
Each day started early with breakfast and morning prayer, and then 45 minutes of silent time to help the pilgrims reflect upon the Gospel reading of the day as they started their walk. Then after approximately 15 miles of walking through mountains and hillside farms and villages, the group would check into their Albergue for the night for a quick shower, laundry, Mass and dinner. Before an early bedtime the group would finish the day with night prayer and a reflection of where they saw God working through the day.
“Walking through beautiful mountains, experiencing Spanish culture, and going to Mass in ancient Cathedrals is something that I really enjoyed," said John Paul Bohli '26. "Finishing the Camino was a great sense of accomplishment.” He also enjoyed putting many years of Spanish class to good use and practice.
The youngest participant in the pilgrimage was Declan Fitzpatrick '28. He expressed, "I could feel God's presence with me when I was walking and when I was tired I felt comfort in doing it with a group."
Patrick Waddick '25 enjoyed the daily Mass and consistent prayer life. "It is something I hope to continue after the Camino," he added.
Kevin Bohli, Executive Director of the Diocesan Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult ministries attended the pilgrimage as an adult leader and to learn how to possibly lead future pilgrimages on the Camino for groups of youth or young adults.
"It was an amazing experience of community and prayer!" said Bohli. "I found such a sense of joy in giving these two weeks to the Lord."