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.
Continue reading “The Feast of St. James”Author: frpfranks
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.
Continue reading “Day 9 pt. 2: The Eve of St. James”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.
Continue reading “Day 9: Miraz to Santiago”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!
Continue reading “Day 8: Lourenzá to Miraz”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.
Continue reading “Day 7: Luarca to Lourenzá”Day 6: Avilès to Luarca
During our stop in Avilès, we visited the impressive San Tomas de Canterbury church and enjoyed a private Mass. Cycling through hills, exploring a cemetery, and witnessing a squabble at another church were among the highlights. Throughout the journey, we emphasized patience, kindness, and the value of charitable acts.
Continue reading “Day 6: Avilès to Luarca”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.
Continue reading “Day 5: Colunga to Avilès”Day 4: Unquera to Colunga
Our Fourth day on the Camino found us cycling through the beautiful regions of Basque, Cantabria, and Asturias in Spain. We encountered stunning landscapes, immersed ourselves in the local culture, and appreciated the hospitality of the friendly locals.
Continue reading “Day 4: Unquera to Colunga”Day 3: Arce to Unquera
On our third day of pilgrimage, we faced challenges and triumphs, exemplifying the importance of teamwork and adaptability. We encountered locked churches but found solace in shared prayer and song. Despite setbacks like missing screws and a burst tire, we persevered and arrived at our hotel in Unquera, exhausted but fulfilled.
Continue reading “Day 3: Arce to Unquera”Day 2: Laredo to Arce
After a tremendously difficult first day, some changes were made in the route and more adventures were had along the way!
Continue reading “Day 2: Laredo to Arce”Day 1: Bilbao to Laredo
The first day of the pilgrimage proved to be full of logistical difficulties. Our group was comprised of many traditional Catholic men and a confrère.
Continue reading “Day 1: Bilbao to Laredo”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…
Continue reading “Rest Days”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.
Continue reading “Prologue: Mary Immaculate Building Project, The Ride “Day 15: Bettyhill to John O’Groats
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).
Day 14: Evanton to Bettyhill
Friday, 17 August
Last night I was so exhausted that I fell asleep over my Breviary multiple times. I decided to take a little rest before attacking my blog. I fell asleep with the lights on, and Pete had to turn them off when he woke at 2 am. So I rose an hour early to write about yesterday’s escapades.
Day 13: Fort William to Evanton
Thursday, 16 August
Today was a long ride (82 miles) and it cold and rainy. We stayed in a few different hotels, so we congregated by the footsore statue for briefing. Everyone was in waterproofs, for the day was forecast to be a wet one.
Day 12: Inverary to Fort William
Wednesday, 15 August
Today we rode 72.4 miles.
Inverary was beautiful! The hotel was right on the edge of the loch, with views of the mountains around, and everything in the town was well-proportioned and elegant. It looked like it should be a hub for tourists, but really it wasn’t busy or crowded at all.
Day 11: Motherwell to Inveraray
Tuesday, 14 August
Another early Mass (just over six hours from now) and short night tomorrow. I must force myself to be brief, and supply with pictures what time does not permit me to say in words.