Pilgrim Credentials

It's Sunday night and I've just packed my backpack yet again! Each time I pack I have to really ask myself, are the items I've chosen the best for this trip? This morning I weighed the pack, it was 17 pounds which is the outside of what I want to carry. Tonight I looked for ways to reduce the weight. I tossed a few small things but unless I want to make very different choices, I think I'm going to be near 17 pounds. The pack felt good today as I walked for about 2 hours. I'll be walking Monday and Tuesday and leaving for Spain on Wednesday.

I have my pilgrim credentials from the American Pilgrims on the Camino and the back of the little booklet contains this prayer from the Codex Calixtinus, (12th century pilgrim guide):

"God, You called your servant Abraham from Ur in the Chaldea, watching over him in all his wanderings, and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert. Guard these your children who, for love of your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostela. Be their companion on the way, their guide at the crossroads, their strength in weariness, their defense in dangers, their shelter on the path, their shade in heat, their light in darkness, their comfort in discouragement, and the firmness of their intentions; that through your guidance, they may arrive safely at the end of their journey and, enriched with graces and virtues, may return to their homes filled with salutary and lasting joy."

With just a few days left before traveling to Spain, I pray this prayer with deep felt wishes for a blessed Camino. Soon the road begins...