Walking Under a Trail of Stars: Our group Jubilee Pilgrimage Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Compostela
- Milagros Delgado
- Dec 14, 2025
- 3 min read
Last October, I had the privilege of embarking on a truly unforgettable pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St James), joined by 24 wonderful fellow pilgrims. This wasn’t just any journey; it was a Catholic Jubilee year, making our walk with dear Fr. Lucio and his Holy Trinity parishioners to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela even more meaningful and sacred.
The very name "Compostela" is said to come from the Latin Campus Stellae, meaning "field of the star," and is beautifully tied to the stars of the Milky Way. Tradition holds that since medieval times, Saint James has guided pilgrims with a trail of stars leading them to his holy resting place, a story that adds a sense of wonder and magic to every step. Walking the Camino is much more than a physical journey; it’s a soul-stirring adventure that brings together pilgrims from all walks of life, united in their desire for healing, forgiveness, and renewal. The iconic scallop shell you’ll see everywhere truly symbolizes rebirth, marking a leap into new beginnings and a deeper spiritual connection. Many come seeking answers, but everyone leaves transformed, having discovered a profound inner peace that stays long after the journey ends.
Our group set out from Sarria, traversing 117 kilometres along the scenic French route. As a travel advisor who has mapped out this path countless times for clients, I can say with confidence that this section is ideal for enthusiastic walkers. It is challenging enough to be rewarding, yet accessible to most with a bit of preparation. Expect a delightful mix of rustic country roads, stone pathways, and lively village lanes. The terrain is gently undulating, graced by verdant valleys, sparkling rivers, and tranquil streams. Galicia’s natural beauty is on full display at every turn. The walk is not just doable but captivating, offering new vistas and heartwarming encounters every day.
What made our pilgrimage even more special was the incredible spirit of our group, ranging in age from their late 30s to late 70s. Each person, regardless of experience, completed the journey; a testament to the Camino’s welcoming nature. Originally planned as a 50th birthday celebration with my husband, the trip blossomed into something beautiful: a cherished pilgrimage with dear Fr. Lucio, my mom, my aunt, my husband, and 21 new friends. Each morning began around 8:00 a.m., and every evening ended with us sharing dinner, stories, and laughter. Along the way, we paused for lunch, made friends with fellow pilgrims, prayed together, and attended Mass daily, sometimes in charming local churches and others with Fr. Lucio celebrating in our accommodations.
October in Galicia can be unpredictable, but we were graced with perfect weather, no rain at all, just a gentle overcast on our first day, leaving Sarria. It truly felt as if God was watching over us, blessing our journey with warmth and light. Organizing accommodations for 25 people, each with a private bathroom, was a challenge, but as someone passionate about crafting seamless travel experiences, I made sure everyone’s comfort was prioritized, so we could fully enjoy the adventure.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela was an emotional milestone. We planned a gentle 10-kilometre walk on our final day to be sure we’d arrived in time for the noon Pilgrim Mass. Whether you’re a brisk walker or prefer to savour the pace, all of us made it on time to witness our priest concelebrate Mass in the ancient cathedral where Saint James’s sacred remains. Another highlight of the day was watching the mighty Botafumeiro swing over our heads and filling the cathedral with incense was a breathtaking, unforgettable moment.
After Mass, we took the chance to visit the tomb of Saint James and embrace his statue behind the altar. I still remember the priest’s words, saying that James was with Jesus in his most crucial moments and likely hugged Him, so hugging the Saint James statue located behind the altar is the closest we’ll ever get to hugging Jesus. That day, I held him tight and dreamed I was hugging Jesus, too.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of planning the Camino for many clients along both the French and Portuguese routes. But walking it myself, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow pilgrims, was truly the best birthday gift I could imagine. This is an experience I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. Whether you’re religious or not, the Camino offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature, your spirit, and the timeless rhythm of life. If you’re ever inspired to walk this path, I’m here to help you design your perfect Camino, an adventure that will change your life in ways you never expected. Contact me
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