The Credencial

Today we are showing you a sample of the Credencial del Peregrino that will be given to all participants walking El Camino de los Santos. This is our version of the pilgrim's credencial given to those walking the Camino in Spain.  It is used to prove that each individual has walked past the various check points along the Camino.  In Spain this is used to allow a peregrino to stay in the pilgrim hostels at a low and reasonable fee.  On our Camino this will simply show that no shortcuts were taken and the route was followed as designed.  

Outside of Credencial

Inside of Credencial 

Inside of Credencial

When all is said and done - walking the Camino becomes a fond memory - the Credencial keeps the peregrino connected to those memories and the changes that took place while on Camino.

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

Firmas y Sellos

Literally Firmas y Sellos means signatures and stamps.  When walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela one has to collect signatures or stamps from each pilgrim hostel - alburgue - that they stay at - as a way of proving that they are truly a peregrino - pilgrim - walking on pilgrimage. If one does not have the pilgrim "passport" - a Credencial - they have to find other sleeping arrangements.  In order to help those walking El Camino de Los Santos feel more like a peregrino in Spain -  we have designed our own version of the pilgrim passport.  Each peregrino will receive a Credencial before we begin our trek.  There are four spaces on the Credencial for each leg of this Camino. All four spaces are reserved for four special stamps representing Saint Patrick Church - Saint Mary Church - the Yorkville Foxes - the Plano Reapers.

   

Each sello is color coded and will be stamped on the Credencial as the peregrino passes that check point. Everyone who walks the entire Camino will end up with eight sellos in total - four for each leg. These will become a souvenir and memento of their accomplishment and reminder of this spiritual experience.  Coming next a picture of the Credencial - until then keep on trekking..

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

New Camino Logo

Here is something new for the readers of this blog - a new logo for El Camino de los Santos.  We will be using this logo on the commemorative t-shirts for the trek that we are sponsoring on July 6, 2013.  There is no fee to participate in the Saturday trek from Saint Patrick Parish in Yorkville to Saint Mary Parish in Plano.  However if you want a shirt to commemorate your participation you need to make a minimum donation to the Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Shrine Fund of $20 

For your donation you will get a 50/50 t-shirt with the logo above printed in blue on a bright orange shirt. The back of the shirt will have the Knights of Columbus logo.  A limited quantity will be available on the day of the walk.  If you would like to reserve one for yourself please let us know very soon.

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale and Chaplain Arlene

The Shrine - To Be

The morning part of our July 6th trek takes us from Saint Patrick Parish in Yorkville, Illinois to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Saint Mary Church in Plano, Illinois.  That is a new shrine and was dedicated by the bishop this past May 2013.  It is almost complete - with a few final touches still waiting to be completed.

The afternoon part of this trek begins at 1:00pm leaving from Saint Mary Parish in Plano and heading to the site of the future Shrine of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla.  Right now the location of that shrine is a patch of grass located behind the site of  the former Emmaus House at Saint Patrick Parish.  Although this new shrine is still in development stages - we will be able to at least visit the site.  This is history in the making.

Shrine of Saint Gianna Molla

There are no artist's renderings yet - most of the pictures and shrines already constructed typically depict Saint Gianna with one or more children.  She was a mother - wife and physician - and in the process of giving birth to her last daughter - made the decision to save the baby - rather than herself - an act that has earned her sainthood.  There are numerous other women who have made this same tough decision - and it is for those women - and for all who face the decision of giving life or taking it - that this shrine is being constructed.   Led by Father Matt Lamoureux MIC - Pastor of Saint Patrick - the Yorkville Knights of Columbus Council is spearheading a campaign to finance this project.  One of the focuses of the Knights is solid support of the Pro-Life issue.  

This Camino experience - has as a second focus and intent - the goal of bringing the issue of Pro-Life to the attention of those previously unexposed.  We support Father Matt and his vision and pray that though our tiny efforts on this Camino - all of us who participate may not only be exposed to the Camino experience but also deepen our own personal commit to Life. 

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale and Chaplain Arlene          

The Shrine

The Shrine to focus on today is Our Lady of Guadalupe in Plano located at Saint Mary Church. This morning Arlene and I trekked to the Shrine.  It took about 3 hours and 10 minutes to go from our home in Bristol to Plano.  Temperature was comfortable - warm but not hot.  We discovered that when you walk the back country roads you get a first hand opportunity to see how well or how poorly some roads are maintained.  Since most of the shoulders are filled with weeds that create extra drag on our boots - we chose to walk the blacktop. It is interesting how quickly 3 hours passes.  We did stop twice for short 5 minute breaks.  Upon arrival at the Shrine we said our prayers of thanksgiving for safelty on our trek.  Then we spent another 15 minutes at Saint Mary's adoration chapel before we headed back home.

Arlene Praying at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine - Plano, IL

Our training continues for both the Camino in Spain and our Mini-Camino on July 6th.  If you are free and able - please join us.

Buen Camino
Dale and Arlene 

Forms

There are two forms that are required to participate on this Camino.

Registration Deadline July 3, 2013

You must click the links provided below and print out each page. 

Your completed "Participation Form" should be mailed to:

 DeaconTravel Ministries  

PO Box 124   

Bristol, IL 60512

 OR

You may Sign and Scan your Form and send as an email attachment

to:  camino@deacontravel.org

If you want a commemorative Camino t-shirt, then indicate your shirt

size on the Participation Form and enclose your donation of $20 (if mailing)

otherwise your donation will be collected the day of the Camino.

Checks should be made out to:  St Gianna Molla Shrine Fund

Camino Participation Form (pdf)

http://www.deacontravel.com/uploads/CDLS2.pdf

Camino Participants Information Form (pdf)

http://www.deacontravel.com/uploads/CDLS3.pdf

c

camino@deacontravel.org

No email?  Phone Your Questions to Deacon Dale

630.334.5065

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

The Route

We have determined that the route previously called "alternate #3" is the best route for walking with youth.  Since this is a first run for this Camino - we want to keep it as manageable for those who will participate and as safe as possible.  We are in the process of printing commemorative t-shirts - that we will available for a donation of $20.  They will be bright orange - as in safety vest orange - to keep everyone as visible as possible.  The route itself is fairly flat - we are in Illinois aren't we - except for one valley/hill as we enter Plano.  The route will have two stops along the way at public parks that have outdoor toilet facilities for those who may need them.  We will also have people meet us at those stops to stamp our credencials and hand out water if needed.  Those walking should prepare to bring enough water for approximately 3 hours walking time. 

This is the route:

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyFitness

A credencial is being prepared that will allow for 4 stamps each way of the route. Finazlized

participation forms are being reviewed and will be available in another few days.  Check back soon so you can download your own copy of the required forms. 

Buen Camino

Deacon Dale 

El Camino de los Santos This July!

JOIN DEACON DALE & ARLENE METCALFE ON

El Camino de los Santos

(The Way of the Saints)

An Original Walking Pilgrimage Developed By Deacon Dale and Arlene Metcalfe  
For DeaconTravel Ministries

Saturday – July 6, 2013

Come Journey With Us

A Two-Part One Day Walking Pilgrimage From

A) St. Patrick, Yorkville To Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine At

St Mary Church, Plano

B) St. Mary, Plano To The Site Of The St. Gianna Beretta Molla Shrine At St. Patrick, Yorkville

Morning Pilgrimage – 8:00am – 12:30pm

(includes Morning Mass)

Afternoon Pilgrimage – 1:00 pm – 4:30pm

Adults And Youth Welcome To Participate

Participation Forms – Registration Information – Additional Information

Available At  http://thewayofthesaints.blogspot.com

Sponsored By The Knights of Columbus – God’s Divine Mercy Council #14463

(All Proceeds Benefit The Saint Gianna Molla Shrine Project)

          

Need to Know

Everyone participating in this event "needs to know" - needs to know and understand all the rules and regulations involved in this experience.  Younger people need the approval and guidance of parent and guardian chaperons - older youth and adults need to know that as with any activity - there are potential risks that may be involved by participating. Everyone needs to know these risks - how to avoid them - what to do if they happen - how to react - who to turn to in time of need - not only for their own safety - but also for others in the group. It is not a matter of watching out for only themselves - but for everyone else in the group. Each of us has to take a leadership role in avoiding risk and managing risk.

Because of the possibility of unforeseen risk - everyone who participates in this event will have to sign a participation form - releasing - everyone - any institution - any volunteers - organizers - planners - assistants - from any and all liability.  In a country where people are too quick to blame others and run to lawyers - in this instance - no one will have that right - everyone will need to accept that they alone are responsible for themselves and those whom they bring with them - especially young children. In the same light - anyone not complying with established rules and regulations will be asked to leave the group - rather than to put anyone else at risk because of their failure to comply with the rules and regulations.

This trek is meant to be meaningful - spiritual - fun - while seeing to one's own safety and that of  those with them.  Because of the possibility of young children participating in this event - adults 18 years and older are expected to comply with the Catholic Church's rules on Protecting God's Children - in that no inappropriate behaviour will be demonstrated during this event.  Again - those in charge - will have complete authority to remove anyone who cannot comply one-hundred percent with these rules. If you are considering trekking with us and feel that these rules are too restrictive - then we ask that you find another group to be involved with and not join us - there are no exceptions to this.

If anyone has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America or other similar groups - then you have already been exposed to these rules - ours are no more or less restrictive than theirs in regards to the safety and well being of youth.

The following guidelines are very similar to those from the Boy Scouts of America, so they should be familiar to Scouts - 

Trekking Safety

This is designed to help individuals and groups to be ready for any kind of trek whether in the urban areas or in the country. It is important to note that situations may arise when the group will have to make adjustments in the days schedule - route - over all plans - because of weather conditions or in the case of an injured or sick participant. We will provide assistants in vehicles who can help if needed. On our trek we will not be so remote that we will ever be far from emergency assistance and all leaders will be equipped with cellular phones for immediate needs. Being prepared and planning for possible scenarios will be done by the team in advance. 

Lightning/Rain Risk Reduction

In the case of bad weather - i.e. rain and or lightning - we will not walk. There is no urgency in walking this Camino and it can be rescheduled if needed - rather than to put anyone at risk of slipping on a wet surface or the possibility of lightning - we will not walk. If an unexpected storm threatens - we will evacuate everyone as quickly as possible to a safe location.

Sun/Heat Sunstroke/Heat Stroke

We are trekking in July in the Midwest - need I say more?  Yes it will be hot - how hot - I cannot predict at this time.  Yes it will be sunny - at least we hope for sun and not cloudy or rainy (see above).  We pray that God blesses us with a pleasant summer day to walk both legs - comfortably.  To be comfortable we need a few important items - #1 - water  -  #2 - sun protection  -  #3  common sense.   Everyone joining us should have read the previous blog entry "Training" in which we listed the most common equipment needed for a trek of this nature.  Everyone will be expected to bring some type of back pack - in which you will carry water and food and other items necessary for this experience. If you do not bring a supply of water with you - you will not be allowed to walk. Each person must have their own supply - no sharing - begging - borrowing from others.  Everyone will be expected to wear appropriate clothing - not only for the time of year - but also appropriate for entering church and attending Holy Mass.  Hats or other head gear to protect from the sun is highly recommended.  Common sense - should help round out the other items each one will need. 

First Aid - Emergency Equipment

Anyone who has ever gone camping or hiking knows enough to "be prepared" and bring along appropriate first aid supplies and emergency equipment.  These are items that may and should be shared with others.  Band-aids for blisters - sunscreen - and other common first aid supplies should be carried by most adults.  As we organize and create our group we will make sure that adequate supplies are on hand. 

Not A Conplete List 

The above is not a complete list of rules and regulations.  In the near future forms will be added to this blog that each participant will be able to print which will contain a more complete list of rules and regulations.  This is for the safety of all who participate - including the leaders.  Please check back for forms and addition updates and hints.

Buen Camino
Deacon Dale 

Training

Training for even a one day trek is very important. Some people incorrectly think that training is not necessary - but it is not every day you wake up and go for a very long walk.  It takes preparation - both mental and physical - to properly prepare.  The very first part of training is selecting the proper items that will be used on your trek.  

Number one - shoes - whether you select walking shoes or boots - they must be properly fit to allow for swelling of the feet - type of ground that you will be walking - and other conditions such as rain.  For our preparation for our Camino in Spain - we have tried out three different pairs of boots in search of proper fit.  At this point we are fairly confident that we now have properly fitted boots.  For this one day walk we will wear those boots - for those doing only this one day walk - it is not necessary for you to buy hiking boots - but you must choose wisely the shoes that you will wear. Sandals are not an option - although most of the walk will be on flat surfaces - you have to consider what is healthy for your feet to be able to walk approximately 9 miles - much on hot asphalt roads - some on grassy right of ways along country roads. 

The second item is socks - quality wool socks are the ones of choice - not cotton - as the wool will wick away moisture from the feet much better than cotton. Many trekkers will wear two pair of socks - one thin wool pair under a second thicker pair. Some will bring extrta socks with them so  that they may change socks during the walk - especially if their feet prespire a lot. 

The third most common walking aid is either trekking poles or a walking stick. Both provide stability on hilly uphills and downhills. The double pair of trekking poles works similar to ski poles to add stability and assistance in balancing your body.  It is also suggested that using trekking poles helps offset the weight of your back pack - helping to shift approximately 25 percent of the weight forward from your back and spine to your arms.

Fourth item necessary for any walk is hydration equipment.  This might be as simple as a water bottle or as complex as a hiking hydration pack. Although convenient -  water bottles do take up at least one hand which means one less hand free if you want to use trekking poles. With a hydration system your hands are free to use as needed.

A lightweight backpack is needed if using the hydration system and will also provide space for carrying your food - extra socks - sunscreen - first aid - emergency equipment - head lamp - and whatever else is needed for your trek.  Most do have side pockets and will hold a water bottle - if a hydration pack is not in your plans. 

All of the items above require proper fit and instruction in their use. As you can see from this simple list -  there is more to training than just walking. 

Buen Camino
Deacon Dale