WHEN FR. JIGS Rosalinda gave his Recollection Talk last December 6, he engaged his Holy Spirit Parish audience in conversation, as he remembered his month-long trek on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James in English) which is a network of roads for pilgrims leading to the Shrine of the Apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. He said the route he and fellow pilgrim Rev. Fr. Luciano Felloni chose was the longest. From Camino Francés, they walked 787 miles braving climbs, including the Pyrenees mountains that divide France and Spain at an elevation of about 1,400 meters (the same elevation of Baguio City at its highest peak). Along the way, they experienced tiredness, hunger, the heat of the sun, cold weather, torrential rains, even fear, but it was clear: God was going to take them to their goal. In all, they walked 36 days from Lyon, France to Sevilla, Spain.
In the Recollection, he spoke of how this journey became a warm, engaging, enriching experience. His talk focused on the ten lessons he learned from this trek. And how they changed him considerably.Let God give you your purpose. We all do things with a purpose – not ambition – in mind. God can change that, you will not achieve your purpose, but that does not make you a failure. A purpose is God-given, for He defines both it and you. And it is for the best if you and your purpose are aligned with His will. You will certainly not fail.
Take only what is enough. He had just one 12-kg. backpack for the entire journey. In it were a walking stick; a head scarf and light; and a water bladder. It was heavy but it had all the basic essentials. And he began the journey content and happy and detached. Detachment being key to a happier and fuller life. His load was heavy, yes, but declutterred and minimal.
Follow the yellow arrow. The Camino had yellow arrows that led pilgrims to their destination. He learned to be wary of different signs along the way (they followed them and lost their way). Listen to the signs of the times lest you get lost. Look for “God’s markings” and allow them to bring you to your destiny.
Expect the unexpected. God loves you and, in a spirit of surrender, allow Him to bring you pleasant surprises. Keep in mind that variables cannot be controlled. His recall of a panic attack in Stoos,Switzerland (a thought of dying he overcame) strengthened him to survive this challenge.
Trust in Divine Providence literally means God has prepared for you provisions in advance. We pray in the ‘Our Father’ that God gives us our “daily” bread and that means we are not asking for a year’s supply of bread. Remember that you can be God’s Divine Providence for others. And, too, Jesus is our daily Bread, whom we’ll never run out of. With this in mind, it didn’t matter anymore if they got lost repeatedly. Thanks to bocadillo (a humble bread) and 3 pieces of M&Ms.
Enjoy life, walk at your own pace, smell the flowers (or drink some beer!) Enjoy the journey. Your happiness glorifies God – the glory of God is a man fully alive (St. Ireneous). You don’t need to align with another’s path. Sometimes, the walk is the destination which dispels the difficulties. Even it this meant crying at night thanking God for life (while Fr. Luciano laughed).
Quoting Fr. Felloni: “Fear is a mental construct.” (Fear is a creation of the mind.) Fear prevents us from living life to the fullest. Fr. Jigs said he started the Camino journey fearing his physical capabilities but he ended up believing he is strong and pushing the limits, and reaching the finish line proved it!
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Delight in little things for they matter. Surprises come in small packages. Do not focus on the petty for these lead to quarrels and misunderstandings. People fight because of pettiness. Look at small things as blessings.
If you are tired (with your life), look back and see how beautiful (and blessed) your path has been. Recall the significant moments/scenes in your life. He made me recall our recollection which taught me that transformation is remembering who we are. Indeed, it made me remember who I was and transformed me thankfully that I am no longer there, that where I am is where God put me.
Love your feet, for they carry you to your destination. They are your best investment. He cited Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, proclaim peace, bring good tidings, proclaim salvation, who say to Zion ‘Your God reigns!’ Like pebbles are scandals that could rock boats, avoid blisters on your feet. Our body is a gift, therefore, know well (Noel) our body to conform to God’s purpose for it.
There was a moment of crisis when he realized that he hasn’t celebrated Mass for some time. He prayed in a cemetery and blessed the tombs there to exercise his ministry. He felt God’s whisper: Miss Mass and start your life.
Ending his Talk, Fr. Jigs said his best take on his Camino journey, which he deems as his life’s lesson, is his recovery of something very basic and fundamental, precious and life-changing: he is now more hopeful, more realistic, and more more patient. He also advised everyone to “be happy for others.”
Amen.
