Fr. Gary Clark is the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Paducah. FILE PHOTO

BY ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

In September, Fr. Gary Clark will be leading a unique pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago, geared toward providing an adapted experience for those with physical limitations.

The “uniqueness” of this Camino is that it will be “set up for anybody who wants to go on it,” said Fr. Clark, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Paducah.

The trip will take place Sept. 20-30, 2022.

Fr. Clark said the focus is for older people or those with physical health issues. While the Camino is typically a walking-only pilgrimage, this experience will offer a bus that will accompany the walkers on the route so that anyone who becomes tired can ride to the next destination.

However, “this is not a sightseeing pilgrimage,” said Fr. Clark. “The Camino started out as a penance. People would walk to Santiago and back as their penance.”

He emphasized that people should still try to walk as much as possible, but that they will be able to “walk at their own pace.”

“Everyone should have a purpose for their Camino,” he said, and he urged pilgrims of this Camino to do the same.

Fr. Clark is working on a booklet with prayers and images, which he will give the pilgrims to guide them through the journey. He said each day will offer the opportunity to eat together and share about everyone’s experiences. There will also be daily prayer time available.

The day before they will arrive at Santiago, Fr. Clark will be walking with his reconciliation stole so that anyone can go to confession before arriving at their ultimate destination.

“It will be an opportunity to get rid of your sins, walking the Camino and allowing God to lighten your burdens through confession,” he said.

Another adaptation of this Camino is that pilgrims will stay in hotels, instead of the usual hostels.

“Meals will be provided since we’re trying to stay safe because of COVID,” said Fr. Clark.

He said when someone registers, they will receive information about how to physically train for the experience, as well as details on information sessions to prepare.

“This will be a time for healing, praying, and growing in community,” said Fr. Clark.

El Camino de Santiago

For more information or to register, contact Faith in Travel’s Kenny Trowbridge at [email protected] or (270) 952-2913.

Originally printed in the February 2022 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.