Day 29, Sunday 29th September. Cervera - Igualada (41kms)

Today was a long and brutal day: we all finished exhausted and sore from a too long day of walking!

However, there was much time for contemplation! Michael invited us to focus on Ignatius' call to distinguish between 'inspiration' and 'incarnation': one can have great ideas and great desires to do much for God; however, such desires need to be 'incarnated' in practice, in daily life. How then, and what then will I do on my return? How will I incarnate this experience into my ministry? That is what I pondered and prayed today.

The scripture suggested was, "I will be with you always, yes, to the end of time."

As per usual, we began with a song and a prayer!

Walking out of the ancient walled city was walking through history: these walls could tell many stories, especially of battles for power and control!

 

Back out into the countryside with its ancient terraces, no wasted land, no quarter acres blocks, certainly not 2/4/6 acre blocks!

Looking back at Cervera with its many stories.

We stretch out over a long day.

Taking short cuts across the fields.

Our 2 hours of quiet prayer caused me to ponder Ignatius words, being reminded that the many gifts I've been given are given to be put at the service of others and thus in serving God and God's Reign of justice, peace and love. How am I being invited to do this in fresh and creative ways with new energy?

The most curious sight: a small village with fighter planes in a back yard!

Ancient churches abound, many dating back to the 11/12 Centuries, beautifully cared for by the locals, though not always in regular use.

Pretty houses in pretty villages that we pass through.

25 kms down, 16kms to Igualada our destination.

A rest by this 11thC church.

Peter and Chona still smiling.

Joe and Vin striding out!

We glimpse the mountains ahead where lies Montserrat, our destination tomorrow.

The highway into Igualada, much quicker than our long and torturous final kilometres!

Upon arrival, I collapsed onto the bed, utterly exhausted, shivering with cold, wrapped in a blanket, until my body regained some normalcy and then a late light meal. Sleep came easily!

 

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Day 28, Saturday 28th September. Verdu - Cervera (17km)

As we approach Montserrat and Manressa, we continue with Ignatius in our contemplation of the resurrection seeking the path to freedom and eternal happiness in God's love.

We desire to be filled with great energy and intense desire to share this gift with others: to spread the Good News of God's Kindom through our joyful witness.

The scripture we focus on is Jesus' conversation with Peter, three times asking him, "Peter, do you love me. Then feed my lambs." Can I place myself in that scene and respond accordingly?

Our customary prayer and song.

Peter and Chona lead us off on our pilgrim adventure not knowing what joys the day will bring!

We ponder Jesus' question.

Back home it is a special religious feast that we wish to participate in. Thus, thank God for iPads, which tune us into this sacred ritual: the Grand Final!

A family beating almonds from the trees: great food for the journey!

In the distance is Tarrega which has an ancient sector through which we are to pass. The old and the new blend to make an ever new story.

Tracy, ever smiling! "Tracy, do you love me?"

Narrow streets: choose the narrow path, ultimately the path that leads to new life.

Ancient churches , chapels, convents and hermitages are found even in the smallest villages, telling a story of strong faith lived through the centuries.

 

We spent some time at this church of Our Lady of the Dawn (Resurrection): exquisite wall paintings inside.

Beautiful stone work on a standard in front.

A cross with rich symbolism of all the elements of the crucifixion, unlike anything John has seen before.

Ruins abound on our pilgrimage, as do new buildings and cities rise up from the ashes of times, wars, conquests and defeats: signs of resurrection?

City on the hilltop: let your light shine!

Our destination of Cevera summons us: but not before a long climb to the old city on the hilltop.

A well earned rest in a quaint, ancient plaza.

With sacred water to replenish the spirit.

And a debrief about the day's journey.

 

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Day 27, Friday 27th September. Castellnou de Seana - Verdu (18km)

We continue our contemplation of the Resurrection, focusing on Mary Magdalene as one of the first witnesses of the Risen Jesus. He speaks her name tenderly whereby her eyes are opened and she recognizes him. In our walking prayer we endeavor to hear him call our name, and pray for that same joy, delight and love that filled Mary of Magdala to overflowing.

Our customary prayer focus and song before setting out from the church plaza.

The morning sun (Son) beckons us as we walk eastwards deep in contemplation. The gospel where we find the Risen Lord breaking through the walls of fear, bringing peace to the frightened disciples invites us to explore the fears that wall each of us in, the fears that paralyze me: I invite the power of the Risen Lord into these spaces, as I also hold in prayer those who accompany me on this pilgrimage with their daily prayer.

A hot air balloon appears in the east, symbolizing the panoramic view of life afforded to those caught up by the power of the Resurrection.

 

We enter a beavy of orchards with many new plantings: new life abounds as the story of the Resurrection embraces all creation.

Apples abound, many on the ground: the harvest is rich, the labour ears few.

Sandra seeking some shade respite as the heat sets in.

After abundant orchards with little harvest activity, finally some pickers .....

.... who insist we share in the produce!

The energy of the sun is harnessed: likewise we soak up the light of the Son.

An oasis of peace greets weary pilgrims.

Streams of life giving water accompany us along the way: they who drink of this living water will never thirst again.

Lunch time in the plaza sees tractors of all shapes and sizes being assessed for road worthiness.

 

Vin quenches his thirst on our hottest day yet: 33C+

Replenishing water for the journey.

The Catalan flag flies everywhere: there is a strong push for independence.

It's searingly hot and a rest in the shade of an ancient church is necessary.

 

Vin plods on in the heat and back into the dry terrain.

Our destination for the day is in sight: what great hopes we have when our pilgrimage of life is over and we await the glory of the resurrection!

We arrive at Verdu, the village where St Peter Claver s.j. was born. They preserve his story with a sanctuary and other remembrances.

Peter Claver ministered in Columbia, South America, to the 10s of thousands of black slaves who were cruelly imported from Africa, treated as animals as they were not believed to have souls. He ministered to them untiringly for 33 years in spite of much opposition and criticism. Read more on his life and ministry in Fr Michael's blog: www.theignatiancamino.com

 

Refreshments while awaiting the bus.

Grapes at our meal gifted by a farmer along the way.

 

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