8 n July-August 2014
NewEarth
Walking in their shoes Continued from page 1
of any of the pilgrimage routes to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela located in northwestern Spain. According to Christian belief, these roads comprise the direction and distance the apostle James traveled from Jerusalem throughout the Iberian Peninsula to spread the Gospel. Seventh and eighth century documents suggest St. James spent several years in that region before returning to Jerusalem where he was beheaded and martyred. It has been said his remains were placed on a boat and sent to his final resting place in Spain. The Camino has been a pilgrimage route since the ninth century. During the medieval period, Christians would journey from their homes as a form of forgiveness and penance for their sins. Today, the Camino may offer spiritual, historical, cultural or physical benefits. And, for all Camino travelers, it’s a chance to reach Compostela or completion. “We have a great photo of all the landmarks, but an especially good one is a photo of the group next to “0.0 km,” which basically means, we made it,” said Kathy Loney, pilgrimage coordinator. In order to “make it,” a pilgrim must walk at least 100 km or bicycle at least 200 km. These distances must be recorded and certified by officials along the way. “Along the route, you can buy these really cool shells,” said Loney referring to the miniature scallop shells abundant in that area that have become a symbol of St. James and the Camino. “You put them on your backpack to signify that you are a pilgrim. When you reach an albergue or café each day, someone is readily available to stamp your card for the day.” While collectively the group celebrated achieving their common goal of tackling the physical feat of walking the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, each one had different reasons for the trip. For one pilgrim, Anita Stevens of Cavalier, it was a love of nature and call from God. “I was only half serious about going. I’m 59 years old, have asthma and arthritis, and I wasn’t sure I could make
it,” said Stevens, “but when Katy [Steven’s daughter] said she was going whether I went or not, I began to consider it more seriously. I’m sure that God put the desire in my heart and I wanted to see what he had in store.” “Honestly, the pilgrimage reminded me of seminary — all men from different places attending seminary for different reasons, trying to achieve one goal and willing to do whatever it takes to get there,” observed Riley Durkin, Diocese of Fargo seminarian and Camino pilgrim. Durkin joined the group to fulfill his love of travel and feed his sense of adventure. Each pilgrim interviewed spoke of a newfound bond and love for their fellow travelers along with a sense of joy, but the full impact of the journey has not yet materialized. “I’m still processing all the experiences but I think I’ve grown through this pilgrimage in patience and fortitude. I will definitely take the opportunity for another pilgrimage some day when the opportunity and inspiration come,” said Stevens. “It still takes time to sink in,” agreed Durkin. “Because, for me, it will be an experience I will reflect back on as specific growth opportunities arise. I tried to let myself go not expecting anything but to see what God presented to me.” “I was glad to be reminded that, whether I am in the familiar or unfamiliar, I am always in God’s hands,” Shypkowski said. She concluded, “Everyone had their own reasons for making the Camino, and it was wonderful traveling in this group. I learned to be very grateful for the people God put in my life during the trip.”
Friends of Chimbote Much like pilgrims, mission travelers have various reasons for leaving the comforts of home behind to experience something outside of their normal routine. For Julia Johnson and Sally Roberts, two Fargo Shanley High School students, it was the joy of the work that drew them to volunteer for Friends of Chimbote mission in Chimbote, Peru. “I feel 100 percent happy when I do mission work,” said Johnson. “It’s not about me, it’s about doing God’s will. I really like that mentality.”
NEW DVD – JUST RELEASED!
SIGNS FROM GOD Bleeding Statue
W
MIRACLES AND THEIR MEANING
Eucharistic Miracle
hat science discovers will confront the mind and heart of every person. The DVD presents the findings from the investigations of a bleeding statue of Christ in Cochabamba, Bolivia and of a Eucharistic miracle in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the later commissioned by Cardinal Bergoglio in 1999. This Cardinal is now known to the world as Pope Francis! This DVD is great for strengthening the faith of our family and friends. This powerful witness, given by Tim Francis, has touched and transformed lives, setting souls on fire worldwide. This is truly a New Evangelization call for all as we awaken our faith. To order DVD, visit our Web Site at: www.loveandmercy.org or send $20 plus $4 (shipping & handling) to: Love and Mercy Publications, P O Box 1160, Hampstead, NC 28443
On the way At left: El Camino de Santiago has been a pilgrimage route since the ninth century, but it was during the Middle Ages that the route became more user friendly for travelers including these kilometer markers. This marker indicates to passers-by that they are 71 kilometers from Santiago. Below: The first group to arrive in Santiago takes a breather on the backside of the Cathedral of Santiago. Pictured in the back row from left to right are Lloyd Lorenz, Devils Lake; Sharon Simon, Fargo; Joe Loney, West Fargo; Kristi Shypkowski, Fargo. In the front row from left to right are Katy Stevens, West Fargo and Riley Durkin, Inkster.
“For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to make sure I could fix things for people,” agreed Roberts. “It’s knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life even if it’s small. That means the world to me.” Additionally, this trip meant an opportunity for Johnson to connect with her mom. “My mom passed away four years ago from leukemia,” said Johnson. “She always told stories about her trip to Chimbote, but I never could quite connect what she was saying until I made the trip. I feel in love with the people and the culture just as she said that I would.” For the past 12 months, these girls joined other volunteers to raise money for the trip. Once in Peru, the group used additional funds raised to construct three homes. First, the volunteers deconstructed dilapidated homes to clear space for the new building. “Clearing out was probably the hardest part, but it felt good to get rid of the dirt,” said Johnson. “It got emotional because the house was part of their history. My house had a supporting wall containing the family’s history — like a giant bulletin board with birthdates, reminders, family tree.” Then, the work began to build new, sturdier homes. Friends of Chimbote, a mission founded by Father Jack Davis of Devils Lake and Sister Peggy Byrne, strives to transform the lives of the poor in Chimbote, Peru by providing basic
necessities, education, healthcare and transformative services like the home building and remodeling project Johnson and Roberts assisted. Several families unable to find work have been exiled to the outskirts of the city to barrios where they live in reedlike (estera) shacks. Because they do not have transportation or access to education and healthcare, leaving the barrios seems impossible. Despite the dire situation surround the people of Chimbote, both Johnson and Roberts noted their overwhelming joy, happiness and love of God. “I can’t parallel my life to those in Chimbote. They have so little, but yet they are so spiritually connected,” said Roberts. “I don’t think I ever saw children so happy and smiling. It makes you very gratuitous because you realize how much you have at home and how happy they are with so little,” added Johnson. One way the girls connected with their hosts was through Mass and daily prayer. “In school we are taught Catholic means universal. I never really knew what that meant until I was sitting in a Peruvian Mass. I couldn’t understand what was being said, but I knew exactly what was going on,” said Johnson. “It’s phenomenal to know the same thing is happening in Peru as in Fargo every Sunday. It shows how strong and widespread our Catholic faith is.” “It made me more humble. You don’t Please turn to WALKING on page 9