Honestly, I prepared a blog entry yesterday but didn't post it because it felt a little too generic. Long story short, here's what happened. We finished the last 6 miles, arrived in the square, had a moment, attended Mass together, and got showered by incense from the Botafumeiro. It was freaking amazing. People had their expectations, but they were blown away. Finally, we gathered at 3 p.m. for a Camino send-off.
This is where the real magic happened. Each father had the chance to give his Compostela to his son(s). We also provided an opportunity for them to share a little bit about their sons and what they had learned on the trip. I'm not going to reveal what was said during those moments, but they were powerful. Very powerful.
I am so glad that God introduced this pilgrimage into my life. As I told our priests earlier today, "It just feels like we are working with the current here, instead of trying to fight against it." We didn't have to artificially create moments of hardship, connection, or silence. The Camino provided all of these things in their appropriate time.
This pilgrimage is hard and challenging. It forces us to be open and vulnerable. It pushes us to support each other and rally together. It is Catholic, exciting, and foreign. It is a perfect manly pilgrimage. That is not to exclude other groups, but it provides so many things we need in our masculinity.
This pilgrimage feels so much more complete. The Spirit came forth so many times and provided; it feels foolish to doubt His presence among us. We had the right place, the right time, the right guys, the right priests. It was like being part of an all-star team. You are contributing, but the person next to you is striving right alongside you. I am incredibly grateful for all those who went on this pilgrimage and all those who helped make it possible.
As long as our good Lord provides the opportunity, we plan to go again in 2026. If there is someone you think would be interested in our 2026 pilgrimage, please click the button below to sign them up for future updates.