We Are Protected

I heard it many times during my Camino journey that pilgrims are called “The Protected.” Protected in what ways? In as many ways as you can imagine. From the day of the Templars, the Hospitallers of St. John right up to today, pilgrims have been experiencing many comforting moments in challenging times.

My story is unique in its content, but not unique in its core outcome. Before I share one of my “protected moments” I need to explain something that is integral to my story. My mother passed away in 2000, and one of her hobbies was needlepoint. In fact, her biggest needlepoint project was a reproduction of a well-known painting called The Reader. This treasure is in my home – a reminder of my mother.

My Camino journey was always positive; seldom did I encounter issues or challenges with the exception of one day where everything seemed to be a struggle. I had left late that particular morning and had forgotten to get water.

That day was unseasonably hot. The path was beside a two lane road and the noise of the cars seemed jarring compared to the past days of calmness traversing fields and small villages. I stopped at a cafe to have a bite to eat, and noticed that I was but a mere 5.5 km from my planned arrival at the albergue.

I set out to walk that 5.5 km, but it seemed to me that it was the longest 5.5 km I had ever walked! I had read the wrong information and the 5.5 km turned into 9.5 km. Usually this wouldn’t have been an issue since I typically was a prepared pilgrim with lots of water, food, and stamina.

This day was the exception – and things just kept getting more challenging with every passing hour. Upset with myself, I began to harbor negative thoughts. I was dehydrated, very hot and tired, and I somehow missed the detour needed to bypass construction. I headed off without as much as checking for signs (which I typically always did) and headed on a dirt road that looked like the typical Camino roads.

After what seemed to be an eternity, I finally arrived at a larger road only to notice the sign pointing to the village which was to be my resting place for the night – 3.5 km! How could that be? I was but 1.5 away at the construction site – and at that moment, I actually had to hold back the tears. I was so frustrated with myself and my inattentiveness. I tried to hitch a ride into the village but all the cars were headed the opposite direction.

When I finally arrived at the village, all the albergues and private locations were full. At that moment, a woman offered me a room in her house. I wanted to hug her so much, feeling that someone was watching over me!

I didn’t know to what extent that thought would prove true. As this caring soul opened the door to my little room I saw, over the bed, a small framed art work – the same that my mother had completed decades ago.

“Protected ones” they say of pilgrims – I can assure you, I never doubted that statement from that night onwards.

I have many more stories like this one, and from my experience, each pilgrim also carries memories of such amazing happenings. I look forward to my next Camino knowing that I can rest with ease and that even the most challenging situations will turn out well.

Buen “protected” Camino journey,
Sylvie

 

Pilgrim Sylvie Hanes
Canada
www.sylviehanes.ca
Completed first Camino in 2011