Day 9: Arrival in Santiago de Compostela — Buen Camino!
After nine days on the road, our pilgrims processed into the Praza do Obradoiro alongside fellow members of the American, Italian, and Spanish associations, then gathered inside the cathedral for a joyful Mass at the golden high altar of St. James. Tearful hugs and reunions followed out in the square, and the group closed the journey together the way they walked it — in matching red sneakers. Buen Camino! Follow along as we share the story of this pilgrimage. Click below for a video from Day 9.
Day 8: The Way to St. James — One Day From Santiago
Pilgrims pulled the wheelchair carts up a country road past a grand stone church bell tower, then gathered inside beside a carved statue of St. James the pilgrim for a quick word to camera before continuing on. The road carried the group through a lively Galician town — busy squares, a stone cruceiro, and streets lined with granite balconies — with the Order of Malta flag and the American flag both flying as Santiago drew closer. Tomorrow, they arrive! Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 8.
Day 7: The Rain in Spain — Wet Trails Through Galicia’s Woods
Rain didn’t slow the pilgrimage down — the Camino Sobre Ruedas wheelchair crew pressed on wrapped in ponchos along wooded Galician trails, with American, Italian, and Spanish flags all carried among the group. Along the way, the group paused for a quiet moment as one of the wheelchair pilgrims, now wearing a medal, sat in conversation with a fellow traveler on an old stone bench. Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 7.
Day 6: Into the Mountains of Galicia
The Camino Sobre Ruedas wheelchair crew rolled on through a shaded, tree-canopied lane as pilgrims pushed deeper into Galicia, sharing the trail with a herd of cattle and the Order of Malta flag flying overhead. After a shared rest in the shade, the group gathered in a centuries-old stone church for Mass, where Msgr. Robert Ritchie offered a blessing over the pilgrims. St. James, pray for us! Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 6.
Day 5: Into the Mountains and Vineyards of Bierzo
Pilgrims gathered for morning prayer beneath the stone walls and arched gatehouse of a fortified Bierzo hill town before setting off through vineyard-covered hillsides and wooded paths — one pilgrim paused to hold up a handful of freshly picked grapes along the way. The Camino Sobre Ruedas wheelchair crew rolled right alongside the whole route, and the group ended the day resting together outside a hostal, weary but smiling, with the climb to the summit waiting tomorrow. Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 5.
Day 4: Through the Fields of Bierzo — Sunflowers, Rails, and a River Bridge
Pilgrims set out at sunrise with the American flag flying overhead, crossing golden sunflower fields, an old railway line, and a centuries-old stone bridge into town — the Camino Sobre Ruedas wheelchair crew rolling right along with the group the whole way. The day closed with evening prayer together and a fiery sunset view over the rooftops from a hilltop tower. Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 4.
Day 3: The Road to León
Pilgrims crossed bridges and open countryside on the way into León, with the “Camino Sobre Ruedas” (Camino on Wheels) crew rolling right alongside on foot. The day ended with the group gathered before the stunning stained-glass windows of León Cathedral, flag raised high. St. James, pray for us! Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 3.
Day 2: On the Road to Mansilla de las Mulas
The pilgrimage continued across the wide-open plains of the Meseta, with Msgr. Robert Ritchie sharing a reflection along the way. The group made a stop for Mass at a beautifully adorned chapel before pressing on toward Mansilla de las Mulas — laughter, good company, and a little Camino camaraderie keeping spirits high on the road. Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 2.
Day 1: From JFK to Madrid — The Camino Begins
Our pilgrims received a blessing at the JFK Chapel before setting off for Spain, kicking off this year’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with Msgr. Robert Ritchie, our Chief Chaplain. After landing in Madrid, the group gathered for Mass and a welcome dinner — tired from travel, but ready for the road ahead. Follow along each day as we share moments from the journey. Click below for a video from Day 1.
