Camino Society Updates and Events

We were very happy to welcome Manuel Mirás Franqueira, President of Association of Councils of the Camino Inglés in Sigüeiro, Galicia, to our Information Centre in Dublin on Tuesday, where he saw our distinguished Book of Pilgrims and toured our beautiful church. We are looking forward to collaborating with him and his team at the Association in Sigueiro, Galicia, to encourage more pilgrims to walk the Celtic Camino and the Camino Inglés.

As more pilgrims are walking the Camino Inglés every year, the Council and Association are making an effort to make it the priority route for Irish pilgrims, as it is an easy route that can be done in three to six days and obtain the Compostela.

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You can read more about walking the Irish Celtic Camino and Camino Inglés at these links:

• https://www.caminosociety.ie/celtic-camino-v2

• https://www.caminoingles.gal/en/a-asociacion

Anyone in our pilgrim world will at least know the name of John Brierly. Many of us who have walked at least a leg of the Camino will likely have read some of one of his books, if not brought one or more with them along the way. ​

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A great man, not because of his worldly success in selling millions of Camino guidebooks, but because of his inward goodness that shines through in every photograph of him, and in every meeting between him and his fellow pilgrims. His soul has the ability to make you feel that everything is going to be alright.

Guy had the privilege of meeting John during the filming of the BBC1 TV's "Pilgrimage: The Road to Santiago," during which they bonded over the simple essence of what pilgrimage does. John understood the heart of pilgrimage: the inward journey towards truth fuelled by the outer journey through the land.

We need to realign with our selves. Our planet is fine without us, it does not need saving, we do. Many selves have been found through John's guidance. May he rest in peace and continue to inspire.

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You can read more tributes to John at these links:

• https://www.caminosociety.ie/johnbrierley

• https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/aug/04/john-brierley-obituary

• https://www.irishtimes.com/obituaries/2023/07/17/an-appreciation-john-brierley/

We were thrilled to welcome back after four long years the amazing pilgrim choir Vox Peregrini. After spending a week walking and singing along the Wicklow Way, this a capella group from the US, many of whom only met after landing in Dublin, sang from their souls and delivered a beautiful free concert to us in St. James's.

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To learn more about this amazing group, have a look at their website: http://voxperegrini.com/

We had a great turnout for our July walk to Howth Head. Members and friends walked together in optimism for good weather and we very nearly had it the whole way! Thanks to everyone who came, and to our Events Committee for organising.

Want to get the heads up about our next walk? Head on over to our website and become a member and you'll receive invites to our monthly walks, annual fiesta and more! You can also volunteer with us. We'd love to chat!

On the actual feast day of St. James, el día de Santiago, some members of the board were honoured to attend a special celebratory lunch at the Spanish Ambassador's residence, where a three-course meal of different Spanish regional cuisine was served with great conversation and promises for all to walk the Bray Camino.

We were honoured and humbled today to have such esteemed guests at our mass to celebrate the feast day of St. James (Santiago).

His Excellence, Ion de la Riva Guzmán de Frutos, Spanish Ambassador in Ireland, joined the congregation to first hear Father Martin Dolan begin the mass with a moving tribute to the late John Brierly, followed by a touching homily given by Reverend David Nixon, former President of the Methodist Church in Ireland. Parishioners from near and far also enjoyed the beautiful music of organist Geraldine McGann and harpist and soloist Anne Tuite.

Thanks to everyone involved for their participation, with an especial thanks to Betty White for bringing it all together. The spirit of the Camino lives in us all, and it's lovely to remember that every year at this special event.