Walking with purpose on the Camino de Santiago

Deacon Andy Brady, his son Stiofán and nephew Paul undertook part of the Camino de Santiago in Spain recently to raise some much-needed funds for Mary’s Meals - a global organisation that has set up projects in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education. Daily meals are provided in school for over two million children in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.

To date, Andy - a Deacon in Cavan Town - has raised over €2,100 with donations still coming in. Those wishing to donate a few bob can do so on the Gofundme link here.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Andy said his son was the “brains” behind the organisation for the Camino.

“It provided me with a wonderful opportunity to meditate and think about things; about where we are going in our faith,” he continued.

“I was able to meditate on the mysteries of life. Myself and my son and my nephew did it together and it really was a very enjoyable experience.”

The trio walked The English Way section of the trail. For Irish pilgrims in the past, this section of the Camino began at St James’ Gate in Dublin followed by a boat trip to Northern Spain where the walk continued on from there to Santiago.

“Stiofán is a Spanish teacher and has done the Camino four times so I found him to be particularly helpful in preparing for it and then doing it,” said Andy.

“The fundraising is progressing well. We have raised over €2,000 so far and donations are still coming in. People are very generous and we very much appreciate that.”

Stiophán told the Celt that he walked The French Way on the previous three occasions. And because he is a Spanish teacher, in Galway, this year’s effort provided him with an opportunity “to speak the language, experience Spain and sample the great food there”.

“It would be regarded as an important pilgrimage around the world and is very well known,” he continued before adding that those who walk the Camino “have a purpose”.

“When you are there it’s nice to keep in mind all the people who are walking it. Everyone has a purpose as they walk all those kilometres every day and you really get to experience the ‘Spirit of the Camino’ that everyone who does it talks about.

“It was an amazing experience and particularly because I did it with my cousin and my dad who had told me a few years ago that he would love to do it. The fact that he got to do something that was on his bucket list is great and it was brilliant to see the three of us making it to Santiago together.”