There are many saints for whom pilgrimage was a key part of the spirituality and their growth towards holiness. I encourage you to celebrate any of their feast days, especially if you are on pilgrimage on their day. You might even review them before you go, and if one of them catches your attention, you might make that saint your patron in your preparation and pilgrimage. The following summaries give only a small portion of their stories so you might want to research the ones you find most interesting. With apologies, only a few of these saints are women. Women did go on pilgrimage, but in much reduced numbers in comparison to men. Few were canonized. The women who are reading this will simply have to become saints, themselves, and restore the correct balance.
St. Peter Orseolo (928-987), elected doge of Venice, ruled there for two years, during which he built a hospice for pilgrims. He gave up his position and entered the Benedictine monastery of Sant Miquel de Cuza, in the Pyrenees, before becoming a hermit.
Oh God, you summoned St. Peter from his rule over Venice, where he worked to shelter pilgrims, to serve you as hermit and monk. Move rulers, now, to care for refugees and pilgrims, and watch over pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
St. Fazzio (1190-1272) was born in Verona, Italy, where he was a goldsmith. He made pilgrimages to Santiago, and Rome. He founded the Order of the Holy Spirit, a charitable confraternity in Cremona to assist pilgrims and the sick. He donated a silver chalice to the Cathedral of Santiago that miraculously survived a fire that destroyed the sacristy there.
Oh God, you summoned St. Fazzio from his labor creating treasured things, to make even more precious journeys to find you in Santiago and Rome, and to provide for pilgrims. Guide and protect all who work in albergues and hotels, cafés and restaurants, as they provide care for pilgrims who even now are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Paula of Rome (347-404), coming from the wealthy senatorial Furii Camilli family, was a wife and mother of five children was widowed when she was 32. She became acquainted with St. Jerome and went on pilgrimage with him to the Holy Land. She settled in Bethlehem where she established a monastery and a hostel for pilgrims. She was an active student and promoter of St. Jerome’s translations of the Bible. She is buried in the Church of the Holy Nativity in Bethlehem.
Oh God, for love of you, St. Paula left behind possessions and status to go on pilgrimage and to serve the needs of pilgrims in the Holy Land. Grant a true freedom from dependence on material possessions to modern pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Stephen Harding (1060-1134), after making a pilgrimage to Rome, joined the Benedictines in Molesme, France. Dissatisfied with the lax observance of the Rule of St. Benedict there, he was part of the founding of Citeaux, where he eventually became abbot. He wrote Carta Caritatis, one of the founding documents of the Cistertian order of monks, and produced an edition of the Bible.
Oh God, drawn from pilgrimage to the shrines of Saints Peter and Paul, in Rome into the religious life, St. Stephen became an ardent reformer of monks and your Church. May the experience of pilgrimage, today, grant transformation and reform to those who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Angela Merici, (1474-1540), dedicated herself to teaching girls in Desenzano, Italy, and then Brescia. She made pilgrimage to the Holy Land. On her way there, she was stuck blind, on the island of Crete, and yet continued on her way, visiting the shrines she could not see. She was cured on her way back, in the very same spot. She also went on pilgrimage to Rome. The community of women who assisted her in teaching the girls, after her death, became the Ursulines, the first community of women religious to work outside of the cloister, and the first female teaching community.
Oh God, you summoned St. Angela to a life teaching and guiding young women. You invited her, in her blindness, to truly see your presence around her, while on pilgrimage, and throughout her life. Open our eyes to your works, and guide all pilgrims, especially women, who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Veridiana (1182-1242) was noted, from early in life, for her charity. She went as a pilgrim from her home in Castelfiorentino (near Florence) to Santiago. Upon her return, she chose the solitary life of a hermit / anchorite in a cell attached to the oratory of San Antonio and Santa Barbara, Castelfiorentino, where she lived for 34 years
Oh God, St. Veridiana found her hunger for you, for silence and for prayer while on the Camino. Grant a like hunger for a conte mplative spirit to all pilgrims, especially who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Anthony Manzi, “the pilgrim” (1237- 1267), the son of a wealthy family, gave up his inheritance to the poor. He made his way on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, later dying in Padua in poverty. He is patron of the of homeless and pilgrims.
Oh God, you turned Blessed Anthony’s attention away from wealth, toward simplicity, and to journey to you in Jerusalem. Grant the gift of true simplicity of life to all pilgrims who even now are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Richard the Pilgrim (d. 720), the husband of St. Wuna of Wessex and father of Sts. Willibald, Winnibald and Walpurga, was a minor king of West Saxony. After obtaining the cure of his small child, Willibald, he renounced his position and estates, and made his way through France and into Italy, intending to make pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He died on the way in Lucca, Italy and is buried there.
Oh God, in his openness to your goodness, St. Richard engendered a spirit of intense holiness within his family. Grant a like spirit of generosity and goodness, to pilgrims who even now are seeking to walk in your ways, such that their family members and companions can more easily find their way to you on the journey of their lives. We ask this and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Paschal (d. 824), from an important Roman family, became abbot of St. Stephen of the Abyssinian monastery in Rome, and directed its ministry of caring for pilgrims there. (Coincidental to pilgrims on the Francigena – having been built by Pope Leo I, who lived from 400 to 461, the church attached to the monastery remains the oldest in Rome, although it was “restored” in 1479 and 1928). He became pope under disputed circumstances.
Oh God, you led St. Paschal from caring for pilgrims, to charge over all your people, the Church. Grant that all who minister in your service may find a tenderness for wayfarers. Give special blessings to hospitaleros who provide for pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Oncho (d. 600) was an Irish pilgrim, who journeyed around Ireland collecting relics. He died in Conmore monastery, where his relics remained.
Oh God, you called St. Oncho into pilgrimage, and to seek out the holy. Grant a deeper awareness of your presence, and a loving appreciation of all things holy to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Julian the Hospitaler ( b. 7 AD?), was a hero of pilgrimage. Fleeing fate, he absconded to Galicia, where he married. Through a series of tragic, unintended circumstances, he slew his own beloved parents. In penance, he and his wife journeyed to Rome and, being wealthy they built several hospitals. One such was on the banks of a river, where Julian would ferry pilgrims across a dangerous stretch, to help them on their way to the Holy Land, becoming a patron saint of innkeepers and travelers seeking safe refuge.
Oh God, you brought St. Julian from horror and loss, to generosity and service. Bless those who shelter sojourners on their travels, and provide safety from rain and flood to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
St. Ludan (d. 1202), the son of a Scottish or Irish noble, spent his inheritance on good works, including a hospital for foreigners and the sick. He died in Alsace, France, returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In his pocket was a script identifying him and saying “I became a pilgrim for love of God.”
Oh God, you summoned St. Ludan to love you ever more deeply through his pilgrimage. Deepen our devotion and affection for your Son, as we, too, set out with hopes of deeper faith. Bless, with a greater openness to both receiving your love, and returning it to you, to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fra Angelico (1395-1455), was a devout Dominican friar, who combined his religious life with creating beautiful paintings. In the pilgrim’s hospice of the medieval Friary of San Marco, now the Museo Nazionale di San Marco, in Tuscany, he painted two Dominican friars greeting Jesus, coming to them as a pilgrim.
Oh God, for centuries, Fra Angelico has uplifted the minds and hearts of those who have looked upon the beauty of his art. Grant that those who travel to holy places may also recognize Jesus in their fellow pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Avertanus and Blessed Romeo (d. 1370), members of the Carmelite order in Limoges, committed themselves to pilgrimage to Rome. St. Avertanus had been noted for his embrace of holy poverty and attentiveness to prayer. As they journeyed they stopped at every church they passed to pray. Eventually, while still on their pilgrimage, they contracted the plague and died in Lucca, Italy.
Oh God, your holy men, Avertanus and Romeo, completed their too short lives while in the midst of their pilgrimage to visit the shrines of your apostles in Rome. May their example inspire a sojourning spirit, extending long beyond pilgrimage, in the hearts of all who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
St. Rudesind (907-977) was a warrior bishop, installed by King Ordoño III as his governor of Celanova, and eventually all of Galicia. In this role he fought against Viking pillagers and Moorish invaders. From 968 to 977 he administrated the diocese of Ira Flavia (which would become the diocese, and then archdiocese of Santiago). He was noted for his bravery and his spiritual wisdom.
Oh God, you called upon St. Rudesind to be your strong right arm, protecting the people of Galicia from violence, and leading them spiritually to holiness. Grant, amidst the violence of the present age, that gentle but ardent leaders, who will protect your people, might rise up from the numbers of pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Eusebius of Cremona (423) was a hero of pilgrimage. Born in Cremona, Italy, he went as a pilgrim to Rome and then the Holy Land, accompanying St. Jerome. Returning to Italy, he raised money for a pilgrim hostel, headed by St. Paula and St. Eustochium in Bethlehem, where he was, for a time, abbot of a monastery he founded.
Oh God, you called St. Eusebius to the quiet life of the monastery, and to the active life of pilgrimage and support of pilgrims. Grant to those who walk with pious intentions, a genuine care for the wellbeing of their fellow pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Ottone Frangipane (1040-1127) was born into the powerful Frangipani family in Rome. Serving as a knight in defense of the Pope, he was captured and imprisoned, apparently escaping through the intercession of St. Leonard of Limoges. Leaving the life of privilege behind, he made pilgrimage, himself, to local sites in Italy, but was more noted for taking on the life, if not the vows, of monasticism and for his care of pilgrims making their way through Ariano Irpino on their way to the Holy Land.
Oh God, your saint, Ottone, experiencing loss and imprisonment, became a source of healing and goodness in the world. Help all who endure suffering to turn their losses into a life of grace and service of others on the journey, especially those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Contardo of Este (d. 1294), was the son of the marquis of Ferrara, Italy who chose to renounce his noble position. He was made a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher by King Andrew II of Hungary. He died in Broni, Italy while on pilgrimage to Compostela with two companions. Miracles were reported at his grave.
Oh God, you led St. Contardo from a life of privilege to one of pilgrimage on the Camino. Bless with confidence and success, and even miracles, those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Benedict Joseph Labre (1748-1783), born in Amettes, France, was unsuccessful in gaining admission to the strict observance monasteries (Carthusians, Trappists and Cistercians) since he was considered too frail. He decided to live a penitential life of pilgrimage to Europe’s many holy sites, begging as he went. Among his many pilgrimages, was one to Santiago de Compostela. He was noted for his generosity with what he received, for praying much, speaking rarely, and accepting the humiliations of life quietly. Homeless himself, he is the patron saint of the homeless and mentally ill.
Oh God, St. Benedict felt that same call to journey in prayer and pilgrimage on the Camino that so many feel today. Guide into deeper reflection, self-knowledge and transformation those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Drogo (1105-1186), was the son of Flemish nobility who gave up his wealth, making pilgrimage to Rome many times. In time, he became seriously physically deformed by grave illness. Withdrawing from the world, he took to living the life of a hermit, in a cell attached to church, for the final 40 years of his life.
Oh God, having journeyed from power and position to pilgrimage and poverty, St. Drogo found you in utter simplicity. May the same openness to the journey enable a simpler, happier, life for all those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. William Firmatus (1026-1095) was a canon who became famous for his scholarship and knowledge of medicine in St. Venance, France. He gave away his property to the poor, going to live as a hermit. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Oh God, your saint, William Firmatus, was learned and yet hungered for more. As you led him from pilgrimage to holiness, grant a conversion to grace to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Saint Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716), founder of the missionary Company of Mary, was noted for the various pilgrimages he made, to Rome, Notre-Dame de Chartres, Notre-Dame de Sous-Terre, Notre-Dame des Ardilliers, Loreto, and Mont-Saint-Michel, always without money, relying on Providence for sustenance. He wrote, “When I go forth through the fields, my walking-stick in hand, no shoes, no baggage, no care, I stride with great pomp like a king in his court. To the sound of the trumpet, all the day long I ring out, “Hurrah for Holy Love!”
Oh God, your faithful pilgrim son, Louis Marie, made pilgrimage a way of life, of simplicity, of penance, but also of inner triumph. Grant a willing pilgrim heart, and steadiness of purpose to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Evermarus (d. 699), and his seven companions, were martyred in Rousson, Belgium, while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Oh God, St. Evermarus and his companions gave everything, including their lives, while journeying to the sites walked by our Lord Jesus. Give generosity of spirit and the grace of endurance to all pilgrims, especially those experiencing difficulty, who even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
San Dominic de la Calzada (1019-1109) is a hero of the Camino. Ordained a priest, he was concerned about the welfare of the pilgrims passing the forest where he was a hermit. He participated twice in building a bridge over the Oja River to help pilgrims on their way to Santiago. He then went on to pave a roadway (calzada – “road” or “pavement”) between Logroño and Burgos. He built a hospice for pilgrims, Casa del Santa. He is now buried in the cathedral of the town where he lived, both of which are named after him: Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
Oh God, throughout Christian history you have summoned generous hospitaleros like St. Dominic de la Calzada to provide for the needs of those who seek you on the Camino. Grant in this age rich blessings, comforts and happiness to hospitaleros who care for pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Merililaun (8th C) was a Scottish or British pilgrim who died a martyr’s death, while on pilgrimage to Rome, on the banks of the Aisne river, near Rheims.
Oh God, St. Merililaun gave his all and suffered the loss of his life while journeying to the tombs of Peter and Paul in Rome. Grant comfort to all who suffer inner turmoil or loss among those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Godric of Finchale (1065-1170) led a secular life as a peddler and sailor before being very spiritually moved by the life of St. Cuthbert. Turning his life around, he made pilgrimage to Jerusalem, returning to Norfolk by way of Santiago de Compostela. He later made yet a second pilgrimage to Rome and a third, back to Jerusalem, before becoming a hermit in Finchale, in the north of England.
Oh God, St. Godric found grace in his study of the saints and in his pilgrimages. Send the same wayfaring fire of his saintliness into the hearts of pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Fulk (d. 600) died while on pilgrimage from England to Rome, because he stopped to help plague victims in Castrofuli. He died there of the plague.
Oh God, your saint, Fulk, could not continue his journey if it meant passing by the suffering of others. Grant an eye to see, a heart to care, and a willingness to make a difference to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Bona of Pisa (c. 1156 – c. 1207), a hero of the Camino, was installed as an official guide of the Camino by the Knights of St. James. She journeyed to Santiago ten times, often leading others on pilgrimage. She was sick on her last pilgrimage, returning to Pisa just before her death. She is one of the patron saints of travelers, pilgrims and their guides.
Oh God, St. Bona sought to lead others to you on her many Caminos. Give strength of spiritual purpose, and a willingness to aid others in their journeys, to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Eleutherius of Rocca d’Arce (12th Cent); little is known of him except that he was an English pilgrim who settled in Rocca d’Arce, 62 miles southeast of Rome.
Oh God, the deeds of St. Eleutherius of Rocca d’Arce have faded from our human memory. As desire for fame and fortune have poisoned so many lives, grant true simplicity and humility to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
San Juan de Ortega or Juan the Hermit (1080-1163), a Camino hero, was a disciple of St. Dominic de la Calzada (May 12th), and worked with him in the construction of bridges and roads for the sake of pilgrims. After his teacher’s death, he went on pilgrimage, himself, to the Holy Land. Returning, he founded a hermitage, the church of St. Nicolás, a monastery and hospice for pilgrims at Urteca (Ortega) in what was, at the time, one of the most dangerous stretches for pilgrims, due to bandits. It has come to be known as San Juan de Ortega, on the Camino Frances. He is patron saint of hospitaleros.
Oh God, the monastery of St. Juan de Ortega is no longer occupied, and his church is no longer a cathedral, yet his hospice still serves your purposes, caring for those on the Camino. Grant fortitude, generosity of spirit, patience and all the strength needed for all hospitaleros who, like St. Juan, care for pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Nicholas the Pilgrim (b. 1075 and d. June 2 1094), born in Steiri, Boeotia, Greece, he spent much of his life in southern Italy as a shepherd. The quiet time of his work led him to a deep contemplative spirit. His spiritual mantra was Kyrie, eleison! or “Lord, have mercy.” He died while on pilgrimage in Italy, on his way to Rome, and is the patron of the city of Trani, whose cathedral is dedicated to him. In the Orthodox tradition he is considered a “fool for Christ.”
Oh God, your Scriptures invite us to be fools for Christ , as was St. Nicholas the Pilgrim. Guide us into that life that follows, not the wisdom of our age, but the eternal truth of your Kingdom. Empty the pride of all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Davinus of Armenia (d. 1051) was from a noble family, but who gave away all his possessions to care for the poor. He then made pilgrimage as a beggar to Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago. He was noted for his prayer and goodness by his hosts.
Oh God, your saint, Davinus, who had given up everything, was noted for his goodness and gratitude on his Camino. Enable growth in goodness, and give a spirit of thanksgiving to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Morand (d. 1115), born in Germany, went on pilgrimage to Santiago before entering the Monastery of Cluny. He was the founder of the Monastery of Saint Christopher in Alkirch. He is notably the patron of winemakers for having survived the seasons of Lent by eating only a bunch of grapes.
Oh God, St. Morand was able to survive on so very little. Even if the stories exaggerate, lead into a life of simplicity and prayerful attentiveness all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Willibald (700-787) was the earliest English person known to have visited the Holy land. Born into a chiefly family in Wessex, he entered the Benedictines as a child. On his way to Jerusalem in 721, he made his way to Rome and, while visiting the holy sites there, he was struck with the plague. Making a miraculous recovery, he went on to visit the burial place of St. John the Evangelist in Ephesus before visiting most of the significant pilgrim spots in Palestine. Returning he spent ten years at the monastery in Monte Cassino, before founding a monastery himself in Heidenheim, and being ordained bishop in Eichstatt.
Oh God, St. Willibald accomplished so much, having been so deeply encouraged by his pilgrim journey to the native land of your Son. Grant and equal fire of faith and discipleship to those who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. William of Montevergine (1085-1142) was moved by his pilgrimage to Santiago, to attempt a journey to Jerusalem as well. After suffering at the hands of thieves in southern Italy, he decided to live as a hermit there. He drew many others to himself, and ended up founding several monasteries.
Oh God, St. William found his vocation to holiness while on pilgrimage. He extended that yearning for you to his fellow monks. Grant holiness and simplicity to pilgrims, and may they, too, draw others into Your way, especially those pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Heimrad (died c. 1019), from Mosskirch, Germany, engaged in constant pilgrimage to both Rome and the religious sites of the Holy Land. Deliberately eccentric, he intentionally left people with the idea that he wasn’t quite right in the head…as a matter of humility. Later, he settled for a while in Hersfeld Abbey, before becoming a hermit near Kassel in Germany.
Oh God, St. Heimrad did not lose himself in the struggle to be thought well of by others. Grant that same spirit of genuine humbleness, in every encounter, to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Theobald of Provins (1033-1066), born the son of the Count of Champagne, from a young age he admired the lives of hermit saints. He refused to participate in the military life, marriage, and in the court life presumed for him. He, with two companions, made pilgrimage to Santiago and Rome. While attempting to go to the Holy Land, one of his companions grew sick near Salanigo, by Vicenza. He lived the rest of his life there as a hermit, joining the Camaldolese just before he died.
Oh God, St. Theobald was sincere in his desire to serve, not as one of the powerful of the world, but as a sojourner on the Camino. He set even this aside, though, to serve you in his sick companion. Grant a generous and patient concern for each other to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The statue of the Pilgrim Virgin / the Virgin Pilgrim was enthroned in Sahagún, Spain, on July 2, 1688, and has been celebrated ever since with a pilgrimage to the site of her statue, which is carried from its current place in a Benedictine convent to the Sanctuario de la Virgen de la Peregrina, accompanied by traditional dances, food, bonfires and fireworks.
Oh God, you have given us the mother of your Son as our companion in life. May she who made the long journey to Egypt and back, be the companion of all pilgrims who find themselves sore, hungry or weary as, even now, they are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Simeon Salus (sixth century) lived in Syria and was befriended by St. John of Edessa, with whom he went on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The experience was powerful and led both men to live the life of a hermit. Adopting the role of a holy fool, he worked many miracles in Edessa, while freely choosing somewhat bizarre behavior, lest he be given too much credit for the work he did for the disadvantaged.
Oh God, your pilgrim saint, Simeon, rejected the false values and freed himself from the artificial structures that constrained his contemporaries. May modern pilgrims gain a similar freedom as they, even now, seek to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Brigid of Sweden (c. 1303-1373), wife and mother, went on pilgrimage to Santiago with her husband, in 1341. She later also journeyed from Sweden to Rome for the 1350 Jubilee year, and to Jerusalem in 1373. She worked fervently for the reform of the papacy in a time of decline and division in the Church, and also founded the Bridgettine Order. Her burial place, in the Blue Church of the Abbey of Vadstena, has become, itself, a place of pilgrimage for both Catholics and Lutherans.
Oh God, your saint, Bridget of Sweden, mother of St. Catherine of Sweden, was a faithful spouse, parent, reformer and pilgrim. Grant that same fire that lit this holy woman’s daily life to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The feast day of St. James, was understood in medieval times as the day when he was beheaded: Acts 12:1-3 – “1 About that time King Herod laid hands upon some members of the church to harm them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, 3 and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also.”
From Eusebius’ History of the Church, Book II, ch. 9, paraphrased: During the reign of Claudius, King Herod turned his attention to troubling some in the Church, killing James, John’s brother, with a sword.
Jerome, recounts how in Clement’s Hypotyposes, the man, assigned to lead James to his trial, was so moved by James’s testimony that he confessed he too was a Christian. As they were then taken away together, the man begged forgiveness from James who, after some thought wished him peace and kissed him. They were then beheaded together.
Oh God, your apostle James gave his life in service to the Good News of your Son. His story ignited fires in ancient times in the heart of King Alfonso II of Asturias, the first to journey to Santiago, that still burn in the hearts of pilgrims today. Grant the courage of our convictions to all pilgrims who, even now encounter danger, temptation or fatigue, while seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Pilgrim Virgin (the patron of the province of Pontevedra and pilgrims on the Portuguese route) is remembered as the companion of pilgrims, making their way from Bayonne, France, to Santiago, who left her smiling statue in Pontevedra. The “tradition” is that Mary, traveling from Ephesus wanted to travel to the tomb of St. James, stopping along the way in Pontevedra. She is dressed in a scallop embroidered cape and cloak, wearing a scallop bedecked pilgrim’s hat atop her head, and hold a pilgrim staff and gourd in her right hand. Her beautiful chapel, in Pontevedra , is suitably scallop-shaped. Her confraternity says the Virgin is prepared to go on pilgrimage with those who call upon her as a protective mother, protecting them from dangers, and preventing them from falling into temptation, helping them overcome the fatigue of the Way.
Oh God, your Son’s mother has maternal care for all who call out to you for aid. Hear her cry for all pilgrims who, even now encounter danger, struggle with temptation or are weighed down by fatigue, as they seek to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Famianus of Compostela (1090-1150) intended to become a priest. Despondent with his materialistic companions, he dispersed his wealth among the poor and went on pilgrimage to Rome, the Holy Land, and finally to Santiago in 1115. He lived as a hermit for twenty-five years, before moving some sixty-five miles to join the Cistercians in the Abbey of Santa María de Oseira, near Ourense, on the Via de la Plata. This monastery offers hospitality to pilgrims to this day. He died in Gallese, Umbria, returning from a second trip to the Holy Land.
Oh God, St Famianus drew close to St. James’ tomb, where he lived for so long in solitude. Grant an openness to the quiet spaces of the Camino, and profit from silent reflection to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Roque (1348-1376 ) was born into a wealthy and powerful family, but gave away his inheritance, and lived the life of a beggar as he made pilgrimage to Rome. On the way there he provided care for the plague victims he met in several places. Falling sick, himself, in Piacenza, he was driven out into the wilderness, being fed by a dog who brought him bread. Returning to his home, he was arrested by his uncle, where he died five years later. He is the patron of plague victims, and is often portrayed with pilgrim garb, including scallop shells, in the company of a dog, lifting his kilt to show a plague lesion on his thigh. He is a popular saint in Spain and guide books at times confuse him with St. James because of the scallop shells.
Oh God, St. Roch obeyed your son’s invitation to pick up his cross and to bear it to his death in caring for those he saw suffering from the plague. What others feared and fled, strengthened by his faith, he nursed and loved. Grant a like willingness to engage, even in frightening and disturbing moments, to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Pammachius (d. 409), after the death of his wife, dedicated his life to good works, including the construction of the first hospice for pilgrims in the West, at Portus, the gateway for pilgrims coming to Rome by sea (see St. Fabiola, December 27).
Oh God, St. Pammachius used his possessions so generously to care for those who journey to your holy sites for love of you. Give pilgrims a deep spirit of appreciation for the efforts of hospitaleros, and everyone in the hospitality and food industries, as they, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
San Pedro of Mezonzo (930-1003), a hero of the Camino and a monk, was made abbot of the monastery of Mezonzo, where he labored to restore order after Viking attacks. He was then made abbot of St. Pelayo de Antealares in Santiago, and then, in 986, chosen to be bishop in the diocese of Iria Flavia, which became the diocese of Santiago in 1095. During his episcopacy, Almanzor of Cordoba invaded and sacked Santiago. San Pedro was credited with evacuating the city before the attack and saving the relics of St. James, and then helping to rebuild the city. His monastery, now rebuilt and occupied by cloistered nuns and dedicated to St. Pelagius of Córdoba, is the large building lining the Praza da Quintana in Santiago. He was described as “father of the poor, guardian of the helpless, defender of the weak against the powerful.” In Spain, at least, he is credited with composing the Salve Regina.
Oh God, San Pedro suffered much, along with his people, from the violence of his day, and then rose above it to be a strong support for the people given into his care. Give the strength to overcome every struggle and difficulty to pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Bonfilius (1040-1125) was a monk, an abbot and a bishop, of Foligno in central Italy. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, before returning to the simplicity of the monastery.
Oh God, St. Bonfilius left behind the security and comfort of his life to seek you in the places where your son trod the earth. Give a rich ability to sense you, and to know your will, to all pilgrims who, having left behind the safety of their homes, even now, seek to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Eustochium (368-419) was the daughter of St. Paula of Rome, and a companion and supporter of St. Jerome in his work with the Bible. With her mother and St. Jerome, she went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and there, in Bethlehem, work with her mother to found a monastery and hospice for other pilgrims, spending much of her time in the study of Scripture.
Oh God, your daughter, St. Eustochium lived simply and dedicated herself to the study of Scriptures and the care of her fellow nuns and pilgrims. Grant a generous spirit of compassion to pilgrims who, for love of the Word, even now, seek to walk in your ways. We ask this and everything through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The feast of the miracles of St. James. This medieval feast day celebrated the many miracles attributed to St. James.
Oh God, you gave to St. James a concern for pilgrims and people in distress throughout time, even as he enjoys your most holy presence. May James, watch over pilgrims who encounter difficulties and who struggle with their health, their weaknesses, their addictions and their losses. May he work wonders for all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Frances of Assisi (1181-1226) made a pilgrimage to Rome after his disenchantment with military life, where he joined the very poor in begging, before returning to Assisi. This journey was an early part of his inner conversion. Although the record of a pilgrimage to Santiago is sketchy, and not mentioned by his earliest biographers, the late and local “pious tradition” is that in 1214, Francis came to Santiago and was welcomed by the Cotolai family. Francis asked the man of the house to build a friary, but the family had too few resources. Francis led him to a treasure near the hermitage of San Paio do Monte. The Benedictines of San Martín Pinario gave land at Val de Deus for the construction in exchange for an annual basket of fish in rent. The friary exists till today, thought the five arches in the main cloister of the current church are all that remain of the original construction.
Oh God, St. Francis, who wandered far in witness to holy poverty and simplicity, appreciating so deeply your creation, followed in the footsteps of your Son. Grant true detachment, a love for the poor, and openness to the beauty of your world, to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Coman of Stockerau (d. 1012) was a pilgrim on the way to the Holy Land, when he was mistaken for a spy at Stockerau, near Vienna, Austria. As he could speak no German, he was tortured and hung. His courage while suffering inspired the descendants of his torturers to recognize his holiness.
Oh God, St. Coman was mistaken for a dangerous stranger and payed a terrible price while on the road to the Holy Land in search of you. Keep safe, preserve from misunderstanding, and provide shelter to all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Monon (d. 645) was a Scottish hermit and pilgrim who settled in Ardennes, France, and was murdered in Luxembourg.
Oh God, St. Monon left home and ventured to foreign lands in search of you, where he lost his life. Many have followed his footsteps into far-off countries to find hope and transformation. Grant that welcome and safety be found by all pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) was pope from 1978 till his death in 2005. He did not actually walk to Santiago, but he visited Santiago on two occasions, the first in November of 1982. He had several World Youth Days, summoning young people from all over the world, to gather together to support one another and to grow in faith. In August of 1989, he made his second visit to Santiago, bringing the youth of the world with him.
Oh God, St. John Paul II traveled the world in your service, leading others to encounters with Jesus and love of his name, and gathering them on pilgrimage to Santiago. Grant to young people, especially those on the Camino, an experience of your love for them who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Jodoc (d. 669) was a member of the royal house of Brittany who, when offered the crown, chose instead to get ordained. He eventually became a hermit in at Ray, Picardy, and then Villers-saint-Josse. Toward the end of his life, he and a companion made a pilgrimage to Rome.
Oh God, St. Jodoc rejected the ways of the powerful to serve in the silence of his hermitage. His yearning for your presence led him from that safe place to find you in the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul. Grant comfort, transformation and growth in holiness, for all who leave behind the security of their homes, seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
St. Winibald (702-761), the brother of St. Willibald (June 7) went on pilgrimage to Rome. Intending to go onto the Holy Land, he contracted the plague and had to remain behind when his brother carried on to Palestine. When his brother returned, Winibald eventually accompanied him to Germany, where he help to found the monastery of Heidenhim, which exists to this day, and is a stop on the Jacobsweg, the German portion of the Camino de Santiago from Nurnberg to Ulm.
Oh God, St. Winibald did not allow the difficulties and sickness of pilgrimage deter him from the life of goodness you intended for him. Grant a spirit of perseverance to modern pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Holy Child (Niño) de Atocha recalls a tale from the town of Atocha, just outside of Madrid, where, under the Moors, Christian prisoners were only allowed to receive food from children 12 and under. The story is told of a child, dressed as a pilgrim, who would bring food and drink from a seemingly bottomless basket and gourd. The people of the town realized that it was the adolescent Jesus, whose birthday we celebrate today.
Oh God, your Son has revealed himself as compassionate to the sick, the blind and lame, and the hungry. May the example of the Santo Niño de Atocha move all, including those who even now are seeking to walk in your ways, to a deeper concern for the needs of the hungry. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
St. Fabiola (d. 399), a hero of pilgrimage, was born into a noble Roman family, and married twice in difficult circumstances, she later dedicated herself to a penitential life. She used her wealth to assist the poor, including the construction of a hospital in Rome. She went as a pilgrim to the Holy Land where she lived with some religious and, under St. Jerome’s direction, studied the scriptures. Returning to Rome, she joined in the construction of a hospice, in Portus, at the mouth of the Tiber river, where pilgrims landed as they came to Rome by sea (see also St. Pammachius, August 30).
Oh God, St. Fabiola, who knew intimately the struggles and difficulty of the paths that lead to your shrines, opened her heart and gave away her wealth for the well-being of wayfarers who are seeking union with you. Move the hearts of those who live by holy paths, that they might welcome and care for pilgrims who, even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Translation of St. James. On this day the people of Galicia have celebrated the return of St. James” body to Spain, after his beheading by Herod Agrippa. “Translation,” in the case, refers to the transfer of his body from Judea to Galicia.
Oh God, whether in truth or in fable, the memory of St. James is treasured in Spain, and by all who journey to Santiago to celebrate his life, and to seek their own inner transformation. Grant healing, inner growth and an experience of you to all pilgrims who even now, are seeking to walk in your ways. We ask this, and everything, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.