My Good Friends,

Since returning from my Ignatian Camino back in July, I have been asked by more than a few people if I would share some more of my experience, so others may become aware of what it is to walk a Camino… so here you go…

In a nutshell, embarking on a Camino offers an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth. This ancient practice of journeying on foot toward a sacred destination is rich with lessons and insights. One of the most striking aspects of a Camino is its emphasis on simplicity. Those who participate in any Camino, referred to as pilgrims, carry only what they need, leaving behind unnecessary items which adds weight to their backpacks. This stripping down to essentials allows a sense of freedom and clarity. As we walk, we realize how little we truly need, and this realization brings about a profound shift in our perspective, teaching us to appreciate the basics and to find joy in simplicity.

The physical demands of the Camino mirror the spiritual journey it represents. Long days of walking can be exhausting, and the varied terrain tests your endurance, but these physical challenges are opportunities for growth, teaching resilience and patience. Each step, taken in faith and determination, becomes a metaphor for the spiritual path, where perseverance through difficulties leads to inner strength and awareness of the spirit.

The beauty of the Camino lies in its capacity to reveal the divine in the mundane. The rhythm of walking allows for contemplation and a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings. Nature, your fellow pilgrims, and moments of silence all become channels through which God speaks. This practice of seeing the sacred in everyday experiences fosters a deeper connection with the divine and a more profound sense of gratitude.

The Camino offers a unique blend of community and solitude. Simultaneously, the Camino provides ample time for solitary reflection. These moments of solitude are precious, allowing for introspection, prayer, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

It’s a journey of discernment. The simplicity and routine of the pilgrimage create a space for listening to one’s inner voice and seeking God’s guidance. We set out with questions or uncertainties, and the Camino becomes a time to explore these, seeking clarity and direction. The act of walking itself becomes a prayer, a dialogue with God, and a means of discovering one’s path and a realization of the gift of presence. Each step taken with mindfulness becomes an act of being fully alive in the moment. This presence extends beyond the physical journey, reminding us to live fully and attentively in our everyday lives. The slow pace of walking contrasts sharply with the rush of modern life, inviting us to savor each moment and to be present to ourselves, others, and God.

At the end of the Camino, you do your best to avoid a return to everyday life. The lessons learned, the insights gained, and the spiritual growth experience can, if allowed, continue to shape one’s life long after the pilgrimage ends. Life itself is a journey, a pilgrimage where each step is an opportunity to grow closer to God and to live with greater purpose and love.

So, walking a Camino is a rich and transformative experience that touches the body, mind, and spirit. It offers profound lessons in simplicity, resilience, presence, and community, inviting us to deepen our faith and to embrace the journey of life with renewed vigor and insight. If your are considering a pilgrimage, you might begin by simply walking your neighborhood with a new awareness of your surrounding and sharing your thoughts with God!

Buen Camino!
-Fr. Zack

Dear Friends,

The story of the fish and loaves is well known, and one that is found in all four Gospels. Jesus is shown feeding a multitude of people with relatively little. The sixth chapter of John’s Gospel features a few recurring themes that all play out in our reading this weekend. Those themes being faith, providing for others, and divine intervention. This miracle underscores Jesus’ identity as the Son of God who provides abundantly for those who have faith in Him, and foreshadows the nourishment offered through Christ Himself.

The passage begins with Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee and being followed by a large crowd, drawn by his teachings and the signs he performed. This event takes place shortly after Jesus healed a man at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, further solidifying his reputation as a healer and teacher of great authority. As Jesus and the disciples see the crowds, He turns to Philip with a question that serves both to test his faith and to set the table for the miracle about to occur: “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”

Philip responds estimating the huge cost required to even provide a small amount of food for the many in the crowd. How would we have responded after being asked this same question? We probably would have looked around to see who He was speaking too. Not the apostles., though. Andrew steps forward and offers a different point of view. While knowing the scale of the task at hand, Andrew alerts to Jesus’ attention a young boy who has just five barley loaves and two fish. Philip’s initial doubt highlights our tendency to focus on practical limitations, while Andrew’s willingness to bring what little he could find to Jesus shows his faith. In the presence of Jesus, even the smallest offering can be used for something extraordinary.

Jesus honored this small offering and used it to perform the miracle. When I read this, it reminds me of a few of our parish outreach ministries, especially Bikes from the Heart. Something as small as a bike can be life-changing for someone and give them the freedom and independence to move around. It can assist them in getting back on their feet.

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus’ miracles are referred to as “signs” that point to His purpose and ministry. The feeding of the five thousand satisfied the actual hunger of the crowd, yes, but it led the way to Jesus’ divinity being revealed, so that He could feed them spiritually as well.

John 6:1-15 reminds us that even in our moments of doubt or scarcity, Jesus is able to work miracles that exceed our expectations. As you reflect on this passage this week, may you find renewed faith in The One who not only satisfies our physical needs but also offers eternal life through belief in Him.

– Deacon Ray

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Most of you know how I feel about the image of shepherd (it doesn’t speak to me) that is found in today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah (23:1-6), the Responsorial Psalm (23), and today’s Gospel according to Mark (6:30-34). As I’ve been reflecting on these readings, I’ve used the word “leader” instead of “shepherd.” If you think about it, whether we are parents or grandparents, big sisters or brothers, teachers or mentors, or even friars, we are all leaders in someway to someone. The questions that these readings invite us to consider are who are our leaders, and what makes a good leader?

As shown above we are all leaders. Recent scholarship has shown that we all learn by following the example of others (mimetic theory). We first learn from our parents and siblings in our family of origin; then teachers and classmates, then friends and those close to us. In today’s world we must also say we learn from “influencers” on social media, from politicians, religious leaders, bosses … you get the picture. As a professor of mine once said, “everything speaks to us” to which I might add, “everyone has some kind of influence on us (or not).” So, the first question you might consider this week is “who at this present time are you MOST led by?” And, to go a step further, “Whom do you lead, and how and to what?”

As to what makes a good leader, I think as Catholic Christians we are called to look to Christ. When I consider Christ, I see that He showed kindness not vengeance, compassion not indifference, mercy not cruelty, and generosity not selfishness, love not animosity. Jesus never tried to force anyone to do anything, rather He subtly called them to remember that they were made in the image and likeness of God and should live as such. He tried to unite and invite others into what He called the Reign of God, or the Kingdom of Heaven. What Jesus began, we who are the church are called to live out for ourselves and continue. May the Lord give us all energy and courage to follow in His footprints.

– Fr. Steve

My Good Friends,

I’ve always heard it said from those who have participated in any Camino journey that the experience will change you. Despite being home for more than two weeks now, and while I do believe there has been a shift of some sort, it’s hard to recognize a real change within. Here’s to hoping the change will reveal itself gradually.

The following is a heavily condensed version of the reflection I already shared with my fellow pilgrims at Mass in the Cave of St. Ignatius in Manresa. I shared that for me, during our Camino, I was blessed to be amongst some very holy men. The entire Camino was a mirror of God’s grace where we did not hesitate to open up our lives to each other, both the joys and the heartaches. It was one of tightest bonds among friends I’ve ever experienced. I believe that in our hearts we were all in the presence of something extraordinary. One parishioner on our journey often said that each and every one of us were meant to be there. I am forever grateful having been in this company as we followed the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

One of our fellow pilgrims on this Camino journey, John Tempone, has since gone home to God. I’d always recognized John’s holiness. He loved his family. He loved his country. He loved his faith and his church. I felt he loved all of us. Each and every time he received the Eucharist, he would respond with the words of St Thomas, “My Lord and My God.” He took nothing for granted and was in awe of the entire universe around him. It certainly was a blessing for us all to have him amongst us. His enthusiasm and almost childlike love of life, in spite of some terrifying experiences during his career as a highly decorated Marine to which he was exposed, he was, and continues to be, an inspiration for us all.

His joyfulness was contagious. John’s presence made this world a better place for all whom have had the privilege of knowing him. He courageously took on life allowing desolation and consolation to be his guide, allowing him always to go forward and never in despair. This was indeed my experience of John Tempone, one that will stay with me always, a truly holy man, a devoted husband, an inspiring and wise father, and loving grandfather. A humble mentor to all with a deep sincerity within.

Our Ignatian Camino retreat was meant to be an opportunity for the discovery of the presence of God in our lives. I for one was blessed to not only be walking with men like John, but with all of you. John helped us all to discover that change happens by acknowledgment, participation, and by allowing Him who loves us, to provide us with love and grace as we strive courageously in loving ourselves and each other. Godspeed my friend!

My heartfelt appreciation to you all, especially to those who helped create and organize this experience for us, for it is indeed the journey and not the destination!

-Fr. Zack