On Tuesday, June 16, Sister Colleen will embark on a pilgrimage with students from Mount Saint Joseph Academy, a college preparatory school founded and sponsored by Sr. Colleen’s order, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. Together with 24 young women, 4 staff chaperones, and another Sister of Saint Joseph, Sister Colleen will undertake the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), walking across Spain for two weeks.
As part of their journey, Sister Colleen is inviting members of the Collaborative to join her in prayer over these days. To do so, Sister has written a “Camino in Everyday Life” that offers a reflection for each day of the journey and invites each of us to delve deeper into our spiritual journeys this summer! Thank you for praying with and for Sister Colleen and those she accompanies as they make this trip!
Dear Friends,
I’m delighted to have you join me and my group as we set off on our Camino this June!
For centuries, pilgrims have traveled the Way of St. James via a series of routes throughout Spain and beyond. For our pilgrimage, 28 young women and I will travel on the Camino Francés, or French Way. As the name implies, this route traditionally begins in France (including Le Puy-en-Velay, where the Sisters of Saint Joseph were founded in 1650) and spans over 800km (or 500 miles). Walking between 12 to 18 miles a day, our group will spend two weeks on the Way, traversing over 300km in all.
Beyond the physical act of walking, the Camino is ultimately a spiritual pilgrimage. Praying each step of the way, the pilgrim immerses themselves in a deepening relationship with God. In the silence of one’s own head and heart, truths become clearer and conversations (with God and ourselves) become more intimate. The rhythm of one’s days becomes a pattern for reflection and grounds for spiritual growth. The conversations with God and with fellow travelers on the way invite vulnerability and provide new wisdom and insight. And while the pilgrim is aiming for a destination, the journey itself is, in fact, the goal and God is the guide for all things.
With all this in mind, I’m delighted to offer a mini-retreat—a Camino in everyday life—for those who feel drawn to some spiritual “exercise” this summer. Walking (even just in prayer) with me, you’ll be invited to explore different aspects of pilgrim spirituality and to reflect on God’s journey with us in scripture and in the story of your own life.
From time to time, I also hope to be able to offer glimpses from Spain– so stay tuned for photos and updates from along the Way. As they say on the Way of St. James: “Buen Camino!”
Blessings on the Journey,
Sr. Colleen
If you haven’t already, please visit our A Camino in Everyday Life Mini Retreat page to follow along – you can sign up to receive Sr. Colleen’s daily reflection each morning right in your inbox!