Auf dem Camino nach Santiago:

Von Sarria bis nach Santiago de Compostela

Hello dear friends,

Together with three other missionaries, I recently had the privilege of embarking on a very special journey: We walked the famous Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

Our mission was to spiritually accompany a group of American students from Franciscan University of Steubenville.These students are currently doing their semester abroad at the university's Austrian campus in Gaming and took on the adventure of the "Camino." It was a beautiful, intense time in which we were able to shape the spiritual framework and be there for them as companions on the way.

My “Monkey Group”: Role Models, Support, and Pure Joy

We missionaries were each assigned to smaller groups of 4 to 5 students. I was so fortunate to accompany the “Monkey Group”—and what a blessing that was!

I am incredibly proud of my students. It touched me deeply to see how God-fearing and focused they were throughout the journey. Even when blisters burned on their feet and muscles ached, they sought God in the midst of their suffering. In their simplicity and their genuine, deep joy, I was able to encounter God in every single one of them. It was an honor for me to be a role model and support for them along this path.

God’s Surprises Along the Way

The Camino is known for its encounters, and God blessed us richly:

  • Praise and Worship Draws Hearts: In a small village, our plan was actually to invite passersby outside a church to join us in praise and worship. When we arrived, the village seemed completely deserted—not a single soul in sight. So we decided to just praise and adore God by ourselves as a group. When I opened my eyes after some time,I could hardly believe what I saw: many people had gathered, listening, rejoicing, and joining in. A beautiful reminder: God Himself is the one who invites people!

  • A Rosary for Texas: Along the way, I struck up a conversation with a pilgrim in her early 50s from Texas (USA) who is a Mormon. We had a deep conversation about faith. Two days later, when we saw each other again, she approached me and asked if I could teach her how to pray the Rosary. I explained the Rosary prayer to her, and eventually, we prayed the Rosary together with my Monkeys! Afterward, I gave her one of my rosaries as a gift. We are still in touch today! Please pray for her.

  • Prayer in Santiago: In the Franciscan Church in Santiago de Compostela, I was privileged to pray with and for another pilgrim—a moment filled with depth and healing.

  • A Personal Gift: Anyone who knows me knows my love for oak trees. Throughout the entire path, I was able to see my favorite tree in full splendor—for me, little, loving tokens of God’s care along the roadside.

Together as a Mission Team

I am also particularly grateful that we were on this pilgrimage together as a mission team. All of you were in my heart the entire way. You carried me.

The Camino has shown me once again: when we set out on the journey, God walks every step with us. In joy, in pain, and in every encounter.

Thank you for all your prayers that carried us across the miles!

With all my love and God’s abundant blessings,

Yours, Nici