Day 25, Monday , September 16th, 2019: San Martin del Camino to Astorga

Sep 16

Sep 16 Day 25, Monday , September 16th, 2019: San Martin del Camino to Astorga

Today’s journey started before dawn on a cloudy day with the possibility of rain in the forecast. We have been blessed with dry weather and today turned out to be no exception. While the morning was gray, the afternoon turned sunny and warm.

We met a new friend on the way to our breakfast stop in the town of Hospital del Orbigo. His name is Gus and he is from Florida. He is walking the Camino to figure out some answers to his life, which has recently been turned upside down. We chatted for a mile or so into town and had breakfast together. We wished him “Buen Camino,” and I made a note to pray for him.

That is today’s “Camino Lesson:” Take a moment and pray for someone else.

Even if we have a healthy spiritual relationship with God, we may not take the time to add people we meet to our conversations with Him. Gus is asking God for answers and I asked God to help Gus as well. The intercession of others on our behalf is a foundational element of the faith I grew up in and continue to practice. Jesus said “love one another” and the honest prayer that a friend find peace is a pure sign of love.

Astorga is a beautiful little town that has a vibrant Calle Mayor with lovely plazas and a beautiful Cathedral we spent time exploring. It is not to be missed if you visit this part of Spain. I again marveled at the devotion of so many to illustrate in their art their devotion to God. The cathedral altarpiece is a magnificent work of art by Spanish artist, Gaspar Becerra. Hard to fathom this work was created more than 450 years ago and stands as resplendent today as it did when he crested it.

The hostal Delfin was a little off the main Camino, and a little close to the traffic on the main road. Nothing a good pair of earplugs and a full day of exertion can’t take care of!