Principal Walks The Pilgrimage

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday June 19, 2007

By ANDREAS SYKIOTIS, MATTHEW HARRISON, SAM MASON, MORGAN CLUNE, PHILLIP JOHNSTON and SHANNON BENNETT

DURING term two, 2007, the principal of St Joseph's PS, Merewether, John Wakely, embarked on a pilgrimage through the countryside of Spain by following in the way of the apostle St James.

This famous track is called The Camero.

Mr Wakely started his trip at Leon and walked 320 kilometres to the city of Santiago de Compestela.

Pilgrims are guided during their trek by bright yellow, scallop-shaped shells.

"The walk was very challenging and it was an amazing experience," Mr Wakely said.

"Emotionally there were some highs and lows. At one stage I wondered why I was doing this."

Tens of thousands of pilgrims from many countries follow the Camero each year.

Mr Wakely befriended people from many different nations, but two in particular a Scotsman and Englishman, who helped him through his "rollercoaster ride".

For accommodation Mr Wakely stayed in backpackers' hostels or dormitories in special parts of cathedrals, where there would be around 80 beds lined up for sleepy pilgrims.

On his journey Mr Wakely also attended pilgrims' mass in the many cathedrals along the route in Spain.

When he finished his pilgrimage he received an honorary certificate called the Compestela.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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