Dear Friends,
I invite you to share with me the joy and blessings that Mary and I feel, as we embark on a months-long adventure of a lifetime — retracing an ancient pilgrimage route across Europe to Santiago de Campostella in northwest Spain.
The Camino de Santiago will take us south from Paris, France, over mountains, through forests, and across farmlands to the far west of Spain.
History of the Camino
After the crucifixion of Christ, St. James traveled to the far northwest of Spain, where he ministered to the local people. When he later returned to the Holy Land, he was beheaded by King Herod, becoming the first of Jesus’ disciples to be martyred for his faith. After his followers carried his remains back to the place of his ministry, an impressive cathedral was constructed at the site of his burial tomb.
For more than a thousand years, pilgrims from all over Europe have walked the Camino. From Paris, the well-marked path will take us through France, then across the Pyrenees mountains to the north of Spain, then continuing west to the city of Santiago de Campostella, the historic burial place of St. James.
Pilgrim’s Way
Every year since the middle ages, thousands of pilgrims, including kings, popes, and presidents, have walked the Camino.
Pilgrims on the Camino announce their spiritual purpose by carrying with them a scallop shell, the symbol of St. James. Combined with an official “pilgrim’s passport”, the scallop shell encourages villagers and communities along the path to offer shelter and food, as the pilgrims make their way along the footpaths to Santiago de Campostella.
The Modern Pilgrim
In ancient times, pilgrims might travel alone, carrying nothing, depending completely on the faith and charity of those they would meet along the way.
In modern times, the Spanish government and the Catholic Church operate dormitories and refuge houses at frequent intervals along the Way of St. James. But only those who can demonstrate, by possessing the scallop shell and the pilgrim’s stamped passport, that they are true pilgrims, are allowed to stay and eat, often for free or a small donation.
To make the journey easier on modern pilgrims, there are many maps, guidebooks, and even iPad apps that help the traveler find the next refuge, where a hot meal, a glass of local wine, a comfortable bed, and modern showers and laundry facilities, all await the tired and hungry pilgrims. Cell phone service is good throughout the journey, but most pilgrims prefer to keep their phones turned off to focus and reflect on their spiritual journey.
As Mary and I embark on our pilgrimage, we are bringing only that which we can carry on our backs, although given the modern conveniences available to us, we expect to travel comfortably. We will carry sleeping bags, a lightweight tent, cell phones and a laptop computer (along with solar chargers), with which we hope to blog our experiences and chronicle our journey for family, friends, colleagues, and patients back home.
If we travel approximately 5 to 10 miles per day, we can expect our Camino to take from 4 to 6 months. During that time, you can follow our progress at:
Who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself “on Camino” someday. Please, wish us a hearty “Buen Camino” and we’ll see you when we’re back!
Dr. Neil and Mary Millikin
Internet links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5VZKWcgw6c trailer of the 2011 feature movie “The Way”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_2sGATllOM Rick Steves’ Europe segment about the Camino de Santiago
Special Note to Dental Patients: Apollonia Dental is in good hands
I am especially thankful to Dr. Joseph Marvizi, Dr. Rafik Soliman (“Rafi”), and Dr. Irena Adams for ensuring the continued availability of care for all of our dear patients at the Apollonia Dental Center. Along with the same staff you have known for years, they will make sure your dental care can continue in the same thoughtful and gentle manner you deserve.
Dr. Marvizi Dr. Soliman Dr. Adams
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