Camino de Santiago

The Camino is a network of routes across Spain and Europe all leading to Santiago de Compostela. In the Middle Ages, these routes were walked as a pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle St. James de Santiago de Compostela

Today the Camino de Santiago experience may reflect freedom, culture, hiking, nature, tradition, challenge, or peace and especially freedom. Beginning in the Middle Ages pilgrims of all social classes travelled the roads without shelter on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela and still do today.

In October 2012, Fr. Frank Latzko travelled El Camino de Santiago de Compostela for the first time.  As the 125th Anniversary of St. Teresa of Avila Church approached, Fr. Frank decided to dedicate funds raised for The Camino to a special ministry that supports some of poorest and marginalized people in our country.

These migrant workers and families from Oaxaca, Mexico live in the midst of a great food producing area and barely have enough to eat. Most make less than $10,000 per year.

It is against this backdrop that Sister Sandra Ann Silva, SHF, pastoral coordinator of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Watsonville, California, has dedicated her life’s work.  Sr. Sandra’s ministry is funded by Catholic Extension donors. Advocating on behalf of the workers Sr. Sandra and volunteers provide food, clothing, counseling and spiritual guidance.

Fr. Frank visited Sr. Sandra in May 2014 to experience the community, the great need and Sr. Sandra’s mission first hand.  Fr. Frank pledged that all donations raised during The Camino 2014 would go to Sr. Sandra’s ministry.  Sr. Sandra then visited St. Teresa of Avila parish for the weekend to meet the community and talk about the ongoing work and advocacy for these migrant workers.

Fr Frank and Sr Sandra in Catholic Extension’s magazine

Sr Sandra speaking at Mass at St Teresa’s

Some stories from the Camino 2014:

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