Gen Z is not supposed to like religious things. I disagree. My generation likes to be challenged, not coddled, in its practice of religion. One good example of this is the famous Camino de Santiago, a traditional Catholic pilgrimage with many routes that all end at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The Camino (or path) has seen an explosion in the number of Gen Z pilgrims in recent years. However, most do it in the wrong way, with a worldly mindset. I can say from my ten-day experience that the best way to profit from the Camino is to do it is in the most authentic and traditional way possible.
Here are some rules that can help you do it right.
#1. Dress Modestly
This is a spiritual pilgrimage that must be undertaken with dignity and modesty.
People nowadays have a constant desire to be as comfortable as possible, disregarding proper dress and charity towards their neighbors. Shorts and T-shirts prevail, among men and women alike (not to mention the many people who despicably go farther than that!). This lack of modesty makes the Camino very disagreeable for a Gen Z who practices purity.
So when you go, don’t let the mad rush for comfort carry you away. Break the trend. If you’re a man, wear long sleeves, pants and a belt. If a woman, a nice walking dress. Maybe even add a nice hat on top. One that looks nice and blocks the sun. This is a pilgrimage, not a beach.
Remember the Catholic duty to have charity towards one’s neighbor by being modest. The Camino is also about suffering, not comfort.
#2. Ditch the Phone
The Camino can take you into some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery. You can also talk to many interesting people along the way. However, having that infernal digital black hole in your hand is arguably the best way to destroy what could be a very blessed and personal religious experience.
Unfortunately, AI has made this even worse. I understand the basic needs of directions, hotel booking, finding restaurants and emergencies. However, smartphones can easily lead to numerous distractions.
Ergo, use the phone only for that which is absolutely necessary. Put it away. Zip it up in some back pocket of you backpack.
Be assured, the Camino looks much better through your own eyes than through a screen.
#3. Have a True Catholic Pilgrim Spirit
One of the saddest things to see on the Camino is that there are many walkers, but few actual pilgrims. It seems as if the Camino has evolved into some sort of all-inclusive nature walk. To do the Camino right, you need a true Catholic spirit.
During our group’s Camino, we met a couple from the Netherlands and mentioned the fact that we were doing the Camino in reparation for the grave sin of abortion in America. We were surprised to learn that they were in favor of abortion and thought nothing of the contradiction of doing a Catholic pilgrimage with that attitude.
Thus, don’t be like the rest of the flock. We make it a point to pray, pray and pray! We stopped to pray at every statue, cross, or shrine that we encountered. And in Spain, there are tons of them! In addition to prayer, take advantage of Spain’s immense Catholic culture, that we sadly don’t have in the United States.
The tone of your Camino should be one of recollection, prayer and Catholic outreach with people you meet on the Camino. Make it an obvious that you are a traditional-minded Catholic and intend to do the Camino that way, come what may. Finally, desire to suffer, and suffer with a smile (blisters and all).
As a member of Gen Z, I can say that the Camino was extremely challenging and inspiring. Hopefully, these rules will help when organizing your traditional Camino de Santiago. Just remember, if all else fails, pray to Saint James for help.
Viva Santiago!
First Published on TFP.org