The Feast of St. James

We embarked on an early morning pilgrimage, explored the city and admired the cathedral. After completing administrative tasks and attending Mass, we checked out of our hotel, had a delicious lunch, and visited the impressive cathedral. Our journey concluded with farewells and a visit to Fatima in Portugal, where we prayed at the tombs of the shepherd children and attended Mass.

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Day 9 pt. 2: The Eve of St. James

We celebrated Saint James’ feast day vigil in a small hotel, enjoying a festive atmosphere with live music, street performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. Our encounter with a friendly seminarian and the support of the Spanish clergy added to our positive experience. We were excited for the next day’s celebrations.

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Day 9: Miraz to Santiago

On the last day of our nine-day pilgrimage ride to Santiago de Compostela, we wore team jerseys with significant symbols and names. Starting in different places, we experienced a flat tire, rode on a challenging gravel road, and faced communication breakdowns. Despite these obstacles, we found humor, shared meals, and fixed our flats. Some riders decided to skip an intermediate stop and head straight to Santiago. As we reached the city, walked among the crowds, and entered the cathedral, we were deeply moved by the experience. We venerated the relics, embraced the statue of Saint James, and witnessed the massive Botafumeiro. After returning to our hotel for Mass, we reflected on the journey.

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Day 8: Lourenzá to Miraz

Today we went on a long ride through the beautiful Spanish countryside. We started the day by visiting a monastery and collecting funds to support the church. Along the way, we also visited a stunning cathedral and met fellow pilgrims from around the world. Despite facing some challenges like a flat tire and strong winds, we carried on with the help of our support team. We saw beautiful churches, landscapes, and unique traditional structures along the route. Finally, we reached our destination, feeling tired but determined. Tomorrow, we will arrive in Santiago de Compostela, just in time for St. James’ Feast Day. We appreciate the support of those following our journey and welcome others to join us. Ultreia!

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Day 7: Luarca to Lourenzá

We set out from Luarca, and introduce our group members in today’s post. Throughout our journey, we encountered challenges and shared unforgettable moments. From breathtaking landscapes to magnificent churches and even a medieval festival, we traversed highways and conquered hills together. As we arrived at our destination, Lourenzá, we were immensely grateful to have found a monastery church for our Masses. With only two days of riding left, this pilgrimage has reminded us of the significance of detachment from sin and the pursuit of holiness.

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Day 5: Colunga to Avilès

Our journey took us to the beautiful Neo-Romanesque San Christobal church in Colunga. We encountered a blown tire but continued towards Avilès, passing hills, apple trees, and a massive climb before reaching La Esperanza. In Avilès, we explored its charming attractions and then hurriedly moved on to Oviedo, where we visited the cathedral and venerated the Sudarium. We enjoyed local cuisine and shared laughter with the restaurant owner. As we continue our pilgrimage, we seek prayers and intentions, trusting in God’s grace.

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Rest Days

The end of the academic year careened into the beginning of summer, and it was June before I started my training in earnest. Oh, there had been little rides 10 miles here, 15 miles there grabbed with Pete Isermann between teaching, grading, praying and parish work – but it was not until early Summer that 40 and 50 mile training rides became a reality.  

By the end of training, I had several good weeks – 165 miles one week and some longer rides- under my belt. I had even gone out of my way to find the nearest thing I could to the mountains of Spain in my part of the Flint Hills of Kansas. All too soon I would be on a plane bound for Madrid, for a few rest days in Spain before the Pilgrimage…

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Prologue: Mary Immaculate Building Project, The Ride 

It is hard to believe that five years have elapsed since my epic adventures riding 1,000 miles across England and Scotland in 2018! The memories of the ride are so vividly varied and alive with distinctive details that it seems as if it ended only yesterday. At the same time, so much has happened in the interim that it seems fully ten years away. 

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Day 15: Bettyhill to John O’Groats

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Saturday, 18 August

At the morning’s briefing, Rob told us that it was a short ride, a mere 58 miles, but that it would be possible to shave off 6 miles or so by not going to Dunnet Head. John O’Groats is not actually the most northerly part of mainland Scotland. That is the aforementioned Dunnet Head, a peninsula 11 miles away. But John O’Groats is the most northerly settlement on the Scottish mainland, and where the End to End finishes – or begins, for those who undertake it the other way. He told us about the stops, suggesting Thurso for lunch. We were nearly there, and he congratulated us all on our making it thus far. But he added, “Don’t start celebrating yet. You’ve still got fifty miles to ride!” (Or 58 in reality).

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