On Saturday, June 12th, 2021, 49 Prince of Peace Parishioners, including Father Kovanis, officially completed their 33 weeks of spiritual reflection and physical exertion dedicated to the Camino de Santiago Trail (Walk of St. James) in Spain.
The Camino de Santiago (Walk of St. James) is a route of medieval origin in Spain that arose from the discovery in the early Middle Ages of the tomb of Apostle Santiago (St. James) in the early Middle Ages. Since then, the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where St. James’ remains are said to be found, became a city of pilgrimage and one of the capitals of Catholicism. Apostle Santiago (St. James) is the patron saint of Spain and of pilgrims.
Also known as the Camino Francés (the French Way), Pilgrim Parishioners started their route at St. Jean Pied-du-Port in France, crossed the Pyrenees, and headed westward “500 miles” across Spain to the city of Santiago de Compostela. Virtually, that is! This 33-week, virtual pilgrimage, representing the 33 stages
of the Trail, began on Sunday, November 1st, 2020. The virtual miles, accumulated each week by the Pilgrim Parishioners through exercise activity of choice, were accompanied with weekly inspirational meditative prayers, route narrative descriptions/pictures, health tips and recipes, all provided by Pilgrim Guides Nick & Barb Caleca and Tom & Mimi Rose. Father Kovanis awarded Certificates of Completion to the Pilgrim Parishioners.
Our Pilgrims:
Maryann Ayelsworth, Barbara Bizzari, Sheila Brennan, Nick & Barb Caleca, Pamela Cardwell, Linda Castagno, Cheryl Childers, Mary Jane Crawford, Katherine DeChance. Nancy Derby, Jane Deutschmann, Maureen Dickerson, Bill & Betty Dougherty, Mae-Ellen Dowdy, Joe & Barb Epstein, Anita Farney, Janine Faulent, Meg Ginnetti, Barb Glodowski, Ann Halliday, Karen Humphreys, Bill Ingham, Geraldine Janoso, John & Collette Killebrew, Dolores Korolevich, Father Kovanis, Leslie Montagnino, Bob & Marian Pitcher, Suzanne Prach, Linda Puzzo, Joan Raleigh, Gloria Rodzielewski, Tom & Mimi Rose, Rosemary Schaiper, Nel & Mary Lou Tiogson, Don & Kathy Vore, Art & Christine Wanderlingh, Joyce Wentzell, Lori White, and Mary Wozniak Interesting to note, Pilgrims Don & Kathy Vore, walked a portion of this very same Trail in 2015! And, Pilgrim Mae-Ellen Dowdy’s brother and family satisfied a long-time bucket list wish and walked the Trail in 2012!
As a team, total miles logged, represented by hours spent in spiritual reflection and physical exertion, was a whopping 8,673! Congratulations to all!