After pushing ahead yesterday, walking a total of 30 kms, we decided to take a rest day. To cover the Sunday oblihation, we went to Mass last night in the tiny town of Hontanas, which is nestled in a deep valley among the rolling hills of the Burgos region. It was hidden from site almost until we were walking into it. A surreal and relieving experience at the end of a 30k hike.
We took our time waking up this morning and enjoyed the short 10ks through the gentle hills and morning chill, passing an old monastic pilgrim hospital on the way to the historic town of Castrojeriz. Our day’s resting spot had plenty of old ruins itself, complete with a castle on the hill and a decaying convent on its outskirts. The town wraps gently upward around the castled hill. Although small, it contains two active churchs and a convent filled with cloistered Sisters just a 10 minute walk into the country.
We began our rest with some café and city exploration before checking into our albergue. Afterwards we headed to Mass and met up again with Robert, a fellow pilgrim who will be entering seminary in the Fall for the diocese of Winona, Mn. He spent the rest of the day with our walking group, joining us for a restaurant lunch, siesta, a climb to the hilltop castle, and a city wide search for a supermercado before dinner. The search for a grocery store, during which I recieved multiple directions that I didn’t understand, ended at the only open shop, a tobacco store that sold a few groceries. We made do.
Lastly, before dinner, I stopped by the local convent and joined the community for vespers. They sang beautifully in Spanish and I slowly followed along with my English translation, joining the Spanish when I knew the words. It was awesome to be praying the same prayers although a language and a cloister grill seperated us. Though the nun, who opened and closed the glass window connecting theit choir stalls and the Church, waved joyfully at me twice. But how cool is it that this community in the middle of nowhere Spain is praying the same prayers as myself and the rest of the Church through the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours! Whenever I prayed my breviary In the past, I joined this community in spirit but today I was with them physically too. It was a place permeated with peace, and perfect for a pilgrim’s rest day.
-Michael
Thank you, aunt Jenny, I miss you all too! That is awesome to hear about Anakin, 1 month really went by fast, and it is very special that he and Grandpa got to meet.
Sorry if there are some spelling and grammar errors, it is a bit hard to write on our mobile phones, and especially later at night after walking all day. Thanks for sharing the blog too.
Love and prayers.
Dear Michael and Luke,
Every couple days Cassidy and I have been able to sit in peace with the cats to read about your journey. Thank you for taking the time to pray for my past requests and for sharing your beautiful journey. Though I struggle with some words, we understand what you are saying. The photos are beautiful as well. I share some of your journey with a couple close friends of mine and know that there are many here that are praying for both of you.
Cassidy says that she misses you as well as I do. We continue to pray for your safety. Just to update you on Anakin, he will be one month old tomorrow (21st) and is doing so well as he grows bigger. Grandpa Krause was able to met him on Father’s day.
Love, blessings, and prayers
Aunt Jennie and Cousin Cassidy