Stretching nearly 500 miles across Europe, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela – the Way of Saint James – has been a profound spiritual journey for pilgrims since the ninth century.
On April 26, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden hopes to provide a similar – and much shorter – experience closer to home.
In its seventh year, VITALity’s “Way of Saint James on the Road to Life” begins with prayer at 9 a.m. at Saint James Church, Holy Trinity Parish, Ventnor. Then, those of all ages are invited to walk a 2.5 mile loop on the boardwalk. The event will conclude with Mass at the church, followed by lunch.
“This is an opportunity for seniors, their families and friends to come together in fellowship for a day of spirituality, physical exercise and being out in nature,” said Christine Willard, VITALity’s manager of parish-based senior programs. “It’s a time to slow down, quiet our minds and be with others on the journey.”
Phyllis Karnakowski, who plans to make her third Ventnor pilgrimage, knows well the benefits: “to breathe the sea air, have connection with God and others, and have my soul renewed.”
Karnakowski, of Saint Damien Parish in Ocean City, found all three at last year’s walk. A recent widow, she met a fellow pilgrim along the boardwalk whom had also lost her husband.
“We comforted each other, encouraged other,” she recalled.
As pilgrims unite on the boardwalk wearing T-shirts they receive at check-in, conversing together or praying the rosary as one, there is an opportunity for evangelization, Karnakowski noted.
“They see us happy, and we tell them it’s something special we’re doing,” she said of curious passers-by. “We’re making an impact.”
Harry Young, a parishioner of Saint Maximilian Kolbe in Marmora, is looking forward to making his fourth pilgrimage. Every year, he enjoys walking amongst what he calls “the immensity of God’s work”: the birds, flowers, sand and ocean – and of course, the people he meets on the path.
“I always come away with a greater appreciation for His creation,” Young said.
As well, he looks forward to “getting together with like-minded people who are on this journey together. The day always provides me with a new perspective of God’s world. It’s meaningful, hopeful, and I’m glad the Diocese is doing this.”
The VITALity event also is a perfect example of the theme of this Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
“Hope is found here, whether in the spring flowers, the quiet in the Church or new connections made,” Karnakowski said.
“The Way of Saint James on the Road to Life” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 26 at Holy Trinity Parish, Saint James Church, 6415 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor. Registration is free, and T-shirts will be provided. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. To register, call 856-583-6121 or click here.
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