This is the first is a series of stories on 'Ancient Spiritual Trails'

Camino de Santiago means Way of St. James and refers to different routes leading to the cathedral Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.  Just as in life, there are many possible pathways, some shorter than others, but all lead to the ultimate goal of reaching the cathedral also known as St. James of the Field of Stars. 

Camino de Santiago routes start in France, Portugal and Spain. Traditionally pilgrims start the Camino from their own homes. The most famous of the routes is the French Way starting in the Pyrenees in France.  It is here where we begin this pilgrimage. The 800 or so kilometers of walking takes between 4-6 weeks to complete.

The Camino or 'The Way' is an ancient Catholic pilgrimage route traversed by over 200,000 people of all Christian denominations annually.  Pilgrims tell stories of how following the path of the Ancients transformed their hearts, minds and souls. They say that by journey’s end, their hearts are united with the heart of their Creator – ‘The God of Angel Armies'. When they see their purpose in life clearly for that fleeting moment, they begin to love selflessly and appreciate the lives that touch them and they continue onward to their destiny.  They are forever changed! So much so, many of them repeat the arduous trek several times in their lives, seeking  once again to restore and renew their hearts, minds and souls!

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Martin Sheen plays the main character in the movie ‘The Way’, released in 2010. In his story, he embarks on the Camino on behalf of his deceased son - retracing the steps of the Ancients as he unlocks his inner spirituality.  The movie is a visual feast, with a rich story of the changes in a man's heart as he travels along the Camino de Santiago.  He discovers spiritual truths about God and begins to see people in the glory they were created for and meant to have in this life. The movie is brilliantly produced and written by  Sheen's son, Emilio Estevez, with a noteworthy performance by the entire cast. It masterfully captures the inner battle of the soul that plays out in reality for every pilgrim, past and present, who has chosen to travel along 'The Way.'

For more information about the walking in the footsteps of the ancients along the Camino de Santiago go to: https://caminoways.com/walking-the-camino-passports-certificates-compostelas