My walk on The Way of Saint James began here at the Miraculous Medal Chapel, Rue de Bac, Paris, France. Mary appeared here in this chapel to St. Catherine Laboure, giving her an image we now recognize as the Miraculous Medal. The Way of St James is not a Marian Pilgrimage, but she is there like programs on our computer, always running in the background, ready to be accessed at the moment when we need her most.

The Church in St. Jean-Pied-de-Port. Pilgrims light candles before Our Lady as they begin their journey to the tomb of St. James.

My first day out of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, Mary stands watch as she blesses her Pilgrims forward. A comforting sight as we make our way over the Napoleon route into Roncesvalles, Spain.

Pilgrims leave rosaries on this grave marker just before the decent into Roncesvalles.

Before entering Puente La Reina a Pilgrim stops to pray at a shrine to Mary along the Camino de Santiago. Her Sanctuary is a welcome stop after a long climb up the first mountain range since the Pyrenees, Alto del Perdón.

Mary stands high in the town square of Carrión de los Condes, her gaze upon her Pilgrims, her shadow on the church dedicated to her victory, Santa María de las Victorias.

Inside the church of Santa María de las Victorias Pilgrims sing a song in her honor. Can’t say what that song was, but I heard it many times along the Camino.

The altar at The Basilica of Our Lady of La Virgen del Camino. She sets captives free.  Read about the Miracle here.

San Nicolás hospital. Every evening the volunteers provide a meal by candlelight, as there is no electricity. The Madonna and Child watches over us as we break for café con leche and fruit.

A medieval cross depicting the Mother and Child, as we leave Portomarin.

 

More about my Camino coming very soon! Like my Facebook to receive updates!