Pilgrimage 2009: Camino de Santiago

For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked from all over Europe to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. While a visit to the shrine of St. James isn’t a Unitarian tradition, in June 2009, a group of 20 or so All Souls members and friends, led by Rev. Shana Lynngood, will walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago, imbuing the journey with Unitarian meditations, songs, prayers, and meaning. Each morning and evening, Shana will lead the group in spiritual practices, singing, and reading. On the trail, silence will be observed to encourage each pilgrim to find peace and joy in walking meditation.

In spring 2009, participants will attend six required Tuesday-evening classes led by Shana and Claudia Liebler to discuss ideas and traditions of pilgrimage, think about goals for the walk, and begin to get to know their fellow pilgrims. They will get scallop shells (the symbol of the Camino de Santiago) and create a book of walking songs and chants. The group will also do some practice walks and get information from Sheila Campbell about boots and blisters. All Souls members may invite a close friend to come along, but, because part of the joy of a pilgrimage is the community it creates, friends will be required to attend the spiritual preparation classes as well.

Most pilgrims take the French route across northern Spain, but this walk follows an ancient, rarely used track from Tui, a village on the border between Portugal and Spain. It is called the “inspired” way, as it sparked many medieval walkers to record its humble beauty in songs and verse. The hike – 74 miles over six days – is not difficult for those in good health, but many days are long, so stamina is required. Pilgrims who cannot complete a particular day’s walk can arrange local transportation at their own cost.Upon arrival, pilgrims receive certificates from the cathedral in Compostela.

Portugal Walks, a certified Responsible Travel company, will organize the walk, booking accommodations in small hotels and inns, arranging breakfast, providing maps, and moving luggage. The pilgrims, however, will guide themselves.

The dates of the voyage are June 10 to June 18. The cost per person sharing a double room with bath is £400 (about $800); the single room supplement is £150 (about $300). This price does not cover the flight to Portugal or the train to Tui. Participants will also pay for packed lunches and dinners, plus any incidentals.

Participants must register both with All Souls and directly with Portugal Walks. First sign up at www.portugalwalks.com. The “tour name” is Camino Portugues, and the start date is June 8. Specify in the comments section that you will be walking with All Souls. All rooms will be shared doubles unless you specify otherwise. Once you’ve received a confirmation, e-mail Shana (slynngood@allsouls.ws) to let her know you’ve registered. Simply telling Shana that you plan to go will not hold a space. All spaces are first-come, first-served, so register as soon as possible.