A typical day on the Ignatian Camino

As we have walked an order of time has evolved in the group. We think that it might be of interest to other pilgrims.

6.15am Rise and pack up

7.00am Breakfast at the hotel or albergue (hostel)

7.45am Group gathers

Load the suitcases onto the bus
Pick up prepared lunches for the day (often a bocadillo with ham and cheese, a drink and a piece of fruit)
Briefing on the specifics of the day’s walk (the distance, the weather forecast, where we will stop for a break, where we will have lunch)
The group guide gives points for today’s reflection based on the Spiritual Exercises
People mention special intentions that they would ask the group to pray during the day (for example, we have had prayer for peace in Syria, prayer for the Church and its response to the sexual abuse crisis, prayer for the mentally ill, and so on)
Sing the Pilgrim Song

8.00am Begin the day’s walk

We walk in silence for the first two hours reflecting and praying either on the points from the Spiritual Exercises or the special intention for the day or other personal matters
We usually have a toilet break after one hour — the women go ahead as a group and the men stay behind

10.30am Stop for a short break and see if we can purchase a cup of coffee

12.30pm Lunch break for 40 minutes

4-6.00pm Arrive at the next town and find the hotel

Have a beer and celebrate the successful completion of another stage of the Ignatian Camino
Shower, hand wash your clothes, rest
Make sure your phone, iPad, camera etc. are recharged
If necessary, the leadership team might meet to plan the route for the next day
Explore the town
Write your journal or your blog

7.15pm Mass, which is sometimes celebrated in a room at the hotel or at a nearby church