A group of lay people and Jesuits have set up a new pilgrimage route in Spain that should appeal to walkers and cyclists with an Ignatian bent. It’s called the Camino Ignaciano (the Ignatian “way” or “road”). It’s the route St. Ignatius walked in 1522 after his conversion. It begins at his family’s home in Loyola and ends in the town of Manresa, where he began to put together the book that would become the Spiritual Exercises.The route is about 340 miles long. The pilgrimage team (which includes my friend Chris Lowney) has mapped the route, divided it into 27 daily walking segments, and cataloged hostels and services along the way. All this information can be found in five languages at the website caminoignaciano.org.
Anyone who walks the route for five consecutive days in the next two years will be enrolled as a “pioneer” pilgrim.
Ten years ago I traveled this route by bus when I made an Ignatian pilgrimage. The countryside in this part of Spain is gorgeous and diverse–mountains, fertile land, rivers, even a desert. 2022 will be the 500th anniversary of Ignatius’s trek. By then the team expects the Camino Ignaciano to be well-established.
Hi Jim,
Understand you and Chris Lowney not only did the walk, but wrote a book about the Ignatian walk/retreat. Want to do it before the year ends or first quarter of 2023. Hope to have 1-3 persons join me.
Do you know of any planning to the Ignatian way trip at any of the times mentioned?
AMDG,
Victor, please consult the Camino Ignaciano website (linked in the post above) for possible ways to connect with other pilgrims.
Denise Gorss
IgnatianSpirituality.com Editor
I am also interested in the walk of Saint Ignatius please send anything that might be helpful in planning my trip
I too would love to be kept upto date on how to participate in this Camino 2022 would be a good time for me to participate as well.
hi,
Could you please send me information on the walk? peace Jules
My wife Mary and I have walked Camino Frances, SJPDP to Santiago (2013) Assisi to Rome (2014) and the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon to Santiago (2015). We have written a daily blog during our walks at candmcamino.blogspot.co.uk. In 2016 we are planning to walk the Ignatian Way.
Is there a guide book for the ignation Way.
Kieran, I’m not aware of a formal guide book, but the website referenced above would have the most current information if you are interested in this journey.
What a pilgrimage. It looks really challenging, exhausting but fulfilling all at the same time. I have never gone on one but this sure seems like one of the best ways to go.
Great idea. It looks a challenge.
I’m glad that Fran has linked to Claire’s pilgrimage.
Her accounts so far are full of spiritual insight as well as graphic descriptions of the physical struggles involved in the journey.
Blessings
That is fantastic! I love the idea of an Ignatian way… really great.
My friend Claire is on the camino and not for the first time; I will send her this link as she checks in periodically. You can read about the path that she and her husband have set out upon, from Sevilla to Compostela at her blog, Strolling to Compostelle.