Camino Pilgrimage a Journey of Faith, Fellowship

June 26, 2025

By Deacon Tom Bradley

More than 70 pilgrims embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage along the Way of St. Lawrence (Camino de San Lorenzo), a three-day journey from May 30-June 1 that invited families and individuals to prayer, reflection, and community.

While some participated for a day or two, 27 pilgrims completed the full route, receiving their Compostela (certificates of completion) and camino coin in recognition of their perseverance.

The pilgrimage commenced on Friday, May 30, at St. Patrick Church in Perry. As pilgrims set forth, they were greeted with cheers and encouragement from St. Patrick elementary students, a heartwarming sendoff that set the tone for the journey.

A communal rosary under the shelter of a centuries-old tree in Bouton, Iowa, offered a sacred pause for prayer and reflection before the day’s trek concluded in Woodward.

United in faith, they gathered again on Saturday, May 31. New pilgrims joined at Woodward for the walk to St. Malachy Church in Madrid, which is part of Ascension Parish of Boone County. Despite the afternoon heat, pilgrims were welcomed with prayers and blessings, renewing their spirits.

Faith, family, and special celebrations were part of Sunday’s final stretch from Slater to St. Luke Church in Ankeny. Paul and Ann Suarez, of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Parish in Ankeny, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, while Jeff and Melissa Garton, of Holy Trinity Parish in Des Moines, marked their 28th anniversary the day before, walking in gratitude for their grace-filled marriages.

“I want to thank you for bringing the camino to Iowa. What a lovely three days of blessings in many ways, still unfolding,” said Lynne Vestal. “It was a special three days for my daughter and me.”

The Way of St. Lawrence reminded pilgrims that faith is not merely about reaching a destination. It is found in the journey itself and ultimately, in a relationship with Jesus.