What is a Peregrina?

Peregrina, Spanish for Pilgrim, is defined as someone who journeys through life. This term has become increasingly important to me throughout the years as I prepare myself mentally, spiritually and physically for my first pilgrimage.

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a collection of ancient pilgrimages that culminate at the shrine of St. James the Great in Santiago de Compostela in Northwestern Spain. Although there are many routes to get to Santiago, the Camino Frances is the most popular and is the route I plan to take this fall.

The moment I begin the 500-mile walk from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, over the Pyrenees Mountains and across the countryside of Spain, I will become an official Peregrina. Marked only by yellow arrows next to the pilgrim's symbol of a scallop shell, the route traverses through meadows, farms, hills, mountainside and roads. I have planned and trained for this pilgrimage for many years, deciding to take the journey in 2021 when the feast of St. James falls on a Sunday. This makes 2021 a Holy Year and one where an unprecedented amount of pilgrims will begin their own journey.

Although this is a solo trip, I am most excited about the people I will meet along they way. I anxiously anticipate hearing their stories and learning their motivations for walking the Way. Whether for healing, grieving, searching, growing, or exercising, everyone comes with their own story and purpose. It is up to each of us to respect our fellow pilgrims and encourage them in their pursuit of fulfillment.

The spirit of this adventure is why I formed Peregrina. I longed to create a platform where I could use my experience exploring the world to empower my family, friends and community. Once you become a member of the Peregrina tribe, you will have unlimited access to my library of multi-destination itineraries. Whether you seek solitude, adventure, or connection, I hope you will find what you're looking for along the way.

So join today, take that journey and be kind to one another.

The Pilgrim's Prayer

Although I may have traveled all the roads, crossed mountains and valleys from East to West, if I have not discovered the freedom to be myself, I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have shared all of my possessions with people of other languages and cultures; made friends with Pilgrims of a thousand paths, or shared Albergues with saints and princes, if I am not capable of forgiving my neighbor tomorrow, I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have carried my pack from beginning to end and waited for every Pilgrim in need of encouragement, or given my bed to one who arrived later than I, given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing; if upon returning to my home and work, I am not able to create brotherhood or make happiness, peace and unity, I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have had food and water each day, and enjoyed a roof and shower every night; or may have had my injuries well attended, If I have not discovered in all that the love of God, I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have seen all the monuments and contemplated the best sunsets; although I may have learned a greeting in every language or tried the clean water from every fountain; if I have not discovered who is the author of so much free beauty and so much peace, I have arrived nowhere.

If from today I do not continue walking on my path, searching far and living according to what I have learned; if from today I do not see in every person, friend or foe a companion on the Camino; if from today I cannot recognize God, the God of Jesus of Nazareth as the one God of my life, I have arrived nowhere.