On Saturday, April 27th, pilgrims from throughout the Diocese of Camden came together for a day of prayer, fitness and fellowship following the tradition of the pilgrims who walk the El Camino de Santiago in western Europe, also known as the Way of St. James. On this beautiful sunny day, about 80 people walked the three and a half miles round trip from St. James Church in Ventnor, to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Margate, and back to St. James. Participants walked along the boardwalk of Ventnor and the sidewalks in Margate in prayer, song and fellowship. This was a day dedicated to all parents and grandparents on the Road of Life as they face the challenges of aging.
The day began at 9:00 am with Morning Prayer at St. James Church with the pilgrims then departing to begin the journey to Trinity Chapel at Blessed Sacrament where there was a rest stop and refreshments before Eucharistic Adoration and the walk back to St. James. Some in attendance chose to stay at St. James and pray, while others, who could not walk to entire route, stayed on the boardwalk to pray the rosary and enjoy the ocean view. Upon returning to St. James, Mass was celebrated by Father Pietr Muttathottil, V.C. of St. Joseph’s, Somers Point, and Deacon Jerry Jablonowski, Executive Director of VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services of the Diocese of Camden.
After Mass, all were invited to St. James’ parish hall for lunch and to share their life stories and experiences of the day. By 1:30 pm it was time for a final group picture and an end to a day full of spirituality, physical exercise and great fellowship.
Special thanks to Father Pawel Kryszkiewica, Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish for his support of this event and his generosity in sharing the parish campuses for the Way of St. James on the Road to Life pilgrimage.
