Tuesday, 15Sept2026, Navarrete to Lagrono, Day 8
It was a much shorter walk than I have been used to, only 13K. I felt great physically and it’s clear that the rest day made a huge difference. The walk was lovely with some of it through a beautiful park with a lake, trees, and lots of trails for pedestrians and bikes. Because this segment of the Ignatian Camino uses the same path as the Camino de Santiago, I passed many pilgrims heading the other way. We greeted each other with the customary “Buen Camino” but I could see by their quizzical looks that some may have been wondering if I was going the wrong way. As I entered the city, I came across the parish church of St. Michael the Archangel. I noticed that the door was open so I went in for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and discovered that Mass had just begun. What a delight! Upon arrival at the historic heart of the city, I visited the major churches, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda with its iconic Baroque twin towers, the Church of San Bartolomé which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and is the oldest church in the city, and the Church of Santiago de Real. All were amazing in their architecture and historical significance. Another highlight for me was a visit to the Parroquia de San Ignacio. When I arrived there Mass was also starting!! After Mass, I had a lovely chat with the pastor, Fr. Francisco Xavier (Patxi – pronounced ‘pah-chee’) Silanes, S.J. Patxi means ‘Frankie’ in Basque. Fr. Patxi studied his philosophy at Regis University in Denver as a Jesuit seminarian. Today’s theme for prayer and meditation was on the overwhelming love and mercy of God who does not condemn us but rather forgives our sins and earned for us eternal life through the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. In this light, I am left to ponder, in the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, “what have I done for Christ, what am I doing for Christ, what ought I to be doing for Christ?” Now that is something to think about!
