Marta and Alejandro, together with their three children, have walked the Camino de Santiago with other families, teachers, JAR and monitors of the Augustinian Recollects. We spoke with them in Monte del Gozo, a few kilometers from the Cathedral of Santiago, about the challenges, learning and moments of faith that marked their week of pilgrimage.
A family pilgrimage
The Way of St. James, more than a route, is an opportunity to grow spiritually, personally and communally. Marta and Alejandro, together with their sons Alejandro (14), Alonso (12) and Santiago (7), responded to the invitation of the Colegio Agustiniano of Granada to join this experience. They did not go as monitors or catechists, but as pilgrims, accompanied by families, teachers, religious, and members of the Augustinian Recollect Youth of Granada and Guadalajara.
Challenges, support and solidarity
The mother, who walked with little Santiago along with her husband, recounts how her son became the youngest pilgrim in the group, receiving words of encouragement, songs and riddles from companions and strangers who encouraged him to continue. Meanwhile, his older siblings walked with other children their age, fully integrating themselves into the experience.
Each stage was a challenge and an opportunity to open up to others. “It has been wonderful to discover the love, care and gentleness of the people,” recalls Marta, who is especially grateful for the help she received at a shelter after a fall in Santiago.
It has been wonderful to discover the love, care and gentleness of the people.”
Mount Gozo and the dreamed goal
Arriving at Monte del Gozo, at the gates of Santiago de Compostela, was a moment of emotion and gratitude. For little Santiago, the name of the city and the figure of the apostle made the goal a dream come true. The place, which many compare to the “heavenly Jerusalem”, represented for the family the reward for the trust in God and the strength received along the way.
Remaining lessons learned
Living with the bare necessities in a backpack, sharing community life with other pilgrims and discovering that “it is possible to live with less” were lessons that, according to Marta, will mark her children forever. were lessons that, according to Marta, will mark her children forever. Beyond the physical effort, the family returns with values that counteract consumerism and individualism, and with the certainty of having experienced something that will remain engraved in their family history.
A journey that transforms
For this family with Recollect DNA, the Camino has been an experience of faith, solidarity and simplicity. A journey that shows that the true goal is not only in Santiago de Compostela, but in every step shared together. For them, as for so many pilgrims, the true journey begins with embracing the Saint.