Two dioceses, one camino

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
“In the heart of Iowa’s rolling landscapes, a sacred journey awaits. The Camino de San Lorenzo or the Way of St. Lawrence, offers a chance to step away rom the everyday and walk toward deeper faith and connection,” from the Diocese of Des Moines website.
 
Deacon David La Mar of Ascension Parish of Boone County in the Diocese of Sioux City and Deacon Tom Bradley of Des Moines Diocese are collaborating to offer a three-day pilgrimage through the scenic trails of Central Iowa May 30 to June 1.
 
Deacon La Mar said this is the first year that the two dioceses have worked together to offer a local spiritual pilgrimage.
 
“(Deacon Bradley) suggested the idea about a year ago and I thought it would be a great opportunity to exercise our diaconal ministry and build up fellowship and community among our faithful,” Deacon La Mar explained, noting the event is open to all.
 
The Camino de San Lorenzo Pilgrimage begins May 30 in Perry and ends June 1 in Ankeny, passing through scenic areas in the Sioux City Diocese including the High Trestle Bridge and in the town of Madrid.
 High Trestle Trail Bridge/courtesy Iowa Tourism OfficeDes Moines Diocese stops include Perry, Woodward, Slater, including walking along a portion of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Each day’s route is a 12 to 14 mile walk with stops for Mass, meals and spiritual meditations, prayers and reflections.
 
Describing himself as someone who enjoys being outdoors, the Sioux City Diocese deacon said he is “more of a cyclist than a walker,” and has been training to walk the long distances of the Central Iowa pilgrimage. He recently completed a 20-mile walk – half the length of the entire camino.
 
“My training goal is 30 miles over Memorial Day weekend. Then I think I’ll be ready,” Deacon La Mar said.
 Deacon La MarThe mid-way point of the camino is in the Sioux City Diocese with activities in Madrid including Mass at St. Malachy Church of Ascension Parish. St. Malachy Knights of Columbus will provide lunch for the pilgrims.
 
“Father Tim Johnson has been very supportive of the event and will celebrate Mass for us as we stop at St. Malachy’s on our way through Madrid,” the deacon said. “All are certainly welcome to join us for the Mass.”
 
Pilgrims can participate in the entire camino or one of the three days of the event. Single registration for the entire event is $10 or $5 per day. There are also family registrations available. Participants can purchase a catered lunch for the days they walk through the registration.
 
Although the official deadline to register was May 15, Deacon La Mar stressed that those who are considering all or any part of the camino should contact him soon at [email protected].
 
“People who want to join us and register for only a day or two are most welcome,” he said. “If anyone is still thinking of singing up after May 15, I would encourage them to contact me as soon as possible and I will try to make arrangements with meal preparations, camino certificates, trailside accommodations and whatever else is necessary.”
 
Pilgrims are responsible for making their own overnight lodging arrangements. There are limited campsites available in the area and participants are responsible for bringing their own camping gear. Organizers have suggested locations for evening meals in Woodward,  Slater and Ankeny.
 Those completing the entire three days of the Central Iowa camino will receive a medallion and certificate of completion as part of the Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church in Ankeny.
 
“The experience of the camino, and most especially the Mass, will be a good reminder that we’re all pilgrims on a journey, whether it be on the Way of St. Lawrence or throughout our lives as brothers and sisters in Christ,” Deacon La Mar pointed out.
 
As the two deacons make the final preparations for the first collaborative Central Iowa camino, they ask for the support of the faithful for the event and for the pilgrims.
 
“I ask everyone to pray for the success of our first Camino de San Lorenzo and to please pray for the safety of all our participants,” Deacon La Mar said.
 
Registration and a detailed itinerary for the Camino de San Lorenzo pilgrimage are available HERE.
 
“This pilgrimage is more than a physical path – it’s a spiritual voyage that nourishes the soul, strengthens community and draws participants closer to Christ,” from the Des Moines Diocese website.