We walked the final stretch of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela. Over six days, we journeyed not only across the landscapes of Galicia, but also through the interior terrain of faith, silence, companionship, and grace.
Though many of us already knew one another from the London JYAM Mass and other gatherings, the Camino offered a different kind of encounter—with God, with one another, and with ourselves.
Each day began in silence. Morning prayer invited us to pause, reflect, and receive a theme to carry into the first hour of walking: trust, hope, gratitude, presence. A short scripture passage and some points for reflection opened our hearts to what the day might hold.
We walked around twenty kilometres each day, through forests, fields, and villages. In this space—away from the noise of daily life—we encountered a quieter rhythm. Sometimes we walked in stillness, attentive to the landscape and God’s voice within. Other times, conversation offered connection and depth. Always, there was a shared sense of purpose.
The Camino is an ancient path of prayer, and we entered into that tradition intentionally. Each afternoon we celebrated Mass—often in the place we were spending the night, sometimes outdoors in simple surroundings. These liturgies were the heart of each day, helping us to recognise Christ not only in the Eucharist, but in each other, in creation, and in the journey itself.
Each evening, we gathered in a MAGiS Circle, a form of reflection rooted in Ignatian spirituality and the prayer of the Examen. These times of listening and sharing allowed each person to speak honestly about how God had been present. They became spaces of vulnerability, encouragement, and grace—where joy, trust, and interior struggle were shared freely, and reverently received.
Although we set out as an established community from London, something new emerged on the road. The simplicity of walking together, sharing meals, and offering encouragement brought forth a deeper fellowship.
We also met fellow pilgrims along the way—some walking alone, others in groups—sharing stories over coffee or at rest points. The Camino’s signature greeting, “Buen Camino!”, became more than a phrase: it felt like a prayer and a blessing, a reminder that we were part of a greater movement of seekers.
After nearly 120 kilometres, we arrived in Santiago de Compostela. Entering the city, approaching the cathedral, and standing before the tomb of St James was a moment of quiet reverence and awe. There was a collective stillness, shaped by gratitude—for the road, for the journey, for God’s presence.
A particular highlight was attending the Pilgrim’s Mass in the cathedral. To our delight, the botafumeiro—the great censer used in the Cathedral of Santiago since medieval times—was swung during the liturgy. As incense filled the space, rising high into the arches, we were reminded that our own small offering was part of a much larger tradition: a continuous stream of pilgrims seeking Christ.
Though we are now back in London, the Camino continues within us. Pilgrimage doesn’t end at the cathedral doors—it reshapes how we live. We return with renewed hope, a deeper trust in God’s leading, and a greater awareness of how prayer, silence, and community sustain the journey of faith.
Jesuit Young Adult Ministries (JYAM) supports young adults in their 20s and 30s in exploring faith, community, and justice through the lens of Ignatian spirituality. Based in London and supported by the Jesuits in Britain, JYAM offers regular Masses, retreats, social gatherings, and formation opportunities. Pilgrimage is an important part of this mission—offering space for encounter with God and others, and encouraging young adults to integrate prayer and action in everyday life. You can find out more here.
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