From August 3 to 10, 2025, 120 pilgrims from the EDUCAR Network – students, teachers, families, former students, religious and lay people from Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Spain – lived together an experience that goes far beyond traveling kilometers. Under the Jubilee 2025 motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, this Jacobean route became a space of encounter with God, with others and with oneself.
The Way as a gift from God
In the voices of those who experienced it, there is something in common: gratitude. Gratitude for the encounter, for the community and for the shared faith.
“It has been a very, very enriching experience, where we have been able to live community in the manner of St. Augustine…a gift from God.”
Many describe how the Camino opened them to a deeper dimension of spiritual life:
“It has opened me to discover God, to find what has happened to me at some point on the Camino… and to share it with people from other countries, something enriching for the soul.”
Kilometers of friendship and fraternity
Although each stage brought its physical challenge – up to 29 kilometers in a single day – what most marked the pilgrims was the strength of walking together. There was time for silence, prayer and shared laughter.
“There has been good vibes, a lot of affection, a lot of respect, a lot of advice, a lot of learning… a marvel.”
The intergenerational sharing brought together children, youth and adults in the same experience. Sharing the table – with octopus, empanada and the inevitable jokes about hydration – was as important as sharing faith.
“I think doing it with all my Agustina family, with the young people, with the families…it’s been an immense gift.”
Moments that stay with you forever
Some remember specific moments that will remain engraved in their hearts: a conversation at sunset, an outstretched hand on a difficult climb, a spontaneous song along the way.
“There are not enough words to describe our entire Camino… quiet moments, difficult moments and with the community supporting us. Many times we thought we couldn’t go on… and we can, we can.”
For others, the experience was also a mirror of life itself: easy stages and hard stages, all lived in company.
“May we not lose this family we have formed, may we always love each other and work for this.”
The real Camino starts now
Arriving at the Obradoiro square was a moment of emotion and tears, but everyone agreed that the finish line is not the end. As tradition says, the real Camino begins when you arrive.
“Without a doubt it is an experience that everyone should do, a process of searching and encountering God within each one of us.”
In the Jubilee Year 2025, these Pilgrims of Hope returned to their countries and communities with the mission of keeping alive what the Camino ignited in them: faith, fraternity and hope that is renewed at every step.