The Unholy Pilgrim: Day 7, Sat 7/9: Alda

It's an easier walk today after some tough grueling days.

We decided last night to walk the first 2 hours in silent prayer, uniting with Pope Francis' call for Saturday 7/9 as a day of prayer and fasting for a peaceful resolution to the war in Syria.

An overcast stillness accompanied our silent prayer as we journeyed interiorly with the many worldwide companions taking up Pope Francis' call to prayer for peace in Syria.

The peacefulness and beauty of nature inspired our prayer.

A village cemetery reminded us of our own loved ones whom we carry in our hearts and who pray for us on the pilgrimage that we may reach our eternal destination.

Harvesting just completed took me back to my farm days.

A rich local culture with their fiestas and symbols speaks of ancient traditions passed down through many generations.

How do we keep alive our stories, and how important it is to do so!

The local cheeses are to die for! At least to walk for!

Such quiet silent beauty on morning pilgrimage.

The rain didn't dampen our spirits nor the natural beauty!

A well earned lunch at this little bar. At first the batman was flustered at the arrival of 20 hungry mouths worried there weren't enough 'pinchos'.

The loaves and fishes story is still alive!

Pick the koala (not Helen!), a souvenir to the bar of our visit.

Back on the road again.

Looking back to where we've come from, nearing the end of the day (an important spiritual practice for us all as we review each day).

The bus that collected us from Genevilla where there is no accomodation, broke down in the middle of nowhere. While waiting for rescue we took the opportunity to debrief the day, a group practice at the end of each day: what brought me joy today? Where did I most struggle?

Our hotel for these 2 nights was in Languardia. As is our custom we sought out the local church to celebrate Eucharist together. The old sector dates back before the 13th Century, when the church was built.