We came on our own. But we left united by a common bond. We cross path many times out in the paddocks, along the quiet country road, across the cliff tops, along the beach, in the bar, or at dining table. We have encounter God along the way in many ways, each in our own way. Go forth and be the radiators!
I hope that you have found what you were looking for in this Camino.
Then it was time for us to go home. The mini-bus came and took the interstate pilgrims back to Portland.
Luke and Peter (and Michael C) Well Done!
As the only remaining South Australian left, I happily farewell all the pilgrims. I was very proud, felt good that each of the pilgrim had achieved their personal best. It was sad that we have to move on so soon. I could do with a few more days of the companionship of the group.
I discovered that amongst the pilgrims, there is a growing appetite to walk the Camino de Santiago. A “short” walk is from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela- 800km or a slightly longer walk is from Le Puy en Velay or Vezelay of about 1500km. Noel who holds the record for 10 Caminos might be the first one to walk again. Andy is definitely making a trip in May 2015. Then, there are a few of us who aspire to walk the European Camino. We will sty in touch.
My son, Ren, came from Adelaide to pick me up. I had lunch with him at the historical Royal Oak Hotel before heading home. On the way home, we stopped to view “The Father Woods Tree”. An area of land was cleared and carving were actually sculptured out of gum tree stump to tell the story. It was worth a visit.
“This area of land on the original Limestone Ridge Station was a favourite stop-over during his (Tenison Woods) travels across his parish, and he could often be found preparing sermons, celebrating Mass and rejoicing in the splendour of his natural surrounds beneath the shelter of the towering River Red Gum.
Seven tree stumps stand in the middle of the park across the road from The Father Woods Tree. These tree stumps are being sculptured into the image of Father Woods and Mary MacKillop, plus symbols of their work.
This was my third visit to Penola and I am sure that the sacredness of the place, and the attraction of the Coonawarra wine will draw me back again and agin in the future.
Before departure, the pilgrims had enough time for a good walk around the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and visit the old Schoolhouse.
The centre was well organised capturing all the major events of her life in chronological order. As there were two key players in the formation of Sisters of St Joseph, there were two galleries to visit : Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.
Often the emphasis was focussed on Mary and Julian Tenison Woods was left out or barely mentioned. He played the critical role in the formative years of the Josephites. I was fascinated by the talents of Tenison Woods and his natural talents in science. His contribution went way above the religious sphere. He made ernomous contributions to the scientific world across Asia and Australia in geology, palaeontology and zoology. He even surveyed my childhood land in Borneo and Malaya (Straits Settlement). His scientific expedition took him to Japan and China. In fact he was well regarded in many scientific fields and his books are still being used at University and by professionals. I have a great respect for this man. Even though he had a “fall out” with Mary Mackillop, he must be remembered and respected for his vision and contribution in the formation of the Josephites.
The old Schoolhouse
Initially the first school was established in an old stable. The site is now a historical place in Penola.During the canonisation celebrations in Penola on 17 Oct 2010, we marched from this sacred site to Schoolhouse.
It was Mary’s brother, John Mackillop who converted the stable into a schoolroom which could accommodate 40 students. It was here, in 1866, that the Cradle of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart began. On 19 March 1866, the feast of St Joseph, a 24year-old Mary wore a black dress and signed off as Mary, Sister of St Joseph for the first time.
Then a purpose built Schoolhouse was opened in 1867 . The Schoolhouse stood solidly today and it is on the “must see” list in your visit to Penola. It is meticulously restored and preserved.
The front part of the building was the classroom and the sisters lived in the back quarter. You couldn’t get any closer to the history of the Jospehite than being in this building. To me, there is a sense of holiness and sacredness in this building.
I spent a few moments of silence reflecting on the work and lives of Mary and her in this schoolhouse. I imagined that life would be harsh in that era. I could also imagined the mental anguished, confusion and frustrations they endured in the early days when Mary was being “pushed” by the church as illustrated below:
Mary was excommunicated by Bishop Shiel on 22 Sept 1871 for alleged insubordination; most of the schools were closed and the Sisterhood disbanded.
At one stage, the Sisters were put on the spot to chose their allegiance towards Mary or the Church (as in obeying Bishop Shiel).
Mary did not have an easy time in establishing her new Order. She met strong and hostile opposition from people inside and outside the church.
She was wrongly accused and defamed. In our time, there would have been law suite for defamation. Instead, she and her sisters went on with their work, quietly, believing God was calling them and was always ready to forgive those who wrong her.
At time of her death in 1909, the Jospehites had 750 Sisters, running 117 Schools and educating 12,409 students. This was impressive by any measure.
“Little did either of us then dream of what was to spring from so small a beginning”
Mary MacKillop, Penola, 1891
There is a souvenir store in the Centre and you may wish to purchase anything relating to Mary Mackillop ( and Tension Woods) and there were a large collections of books. I bought a few items and asked one of the pilgrims priests to bless them. I have been buying up books on Mary MacKillop and the Josephites whenever I came across an Ops Shop. The official and the book with authority to read is written by an Australian Jesuit Fr Paul Gardiner. Fr Gradiner was the Vatican official Postulator and his account of the events and Mary’s life is as good as it would get. He was the man that led the charge for Mary’s canonisation and her eventual sainthood.
I understand that 19 March 2016 will be an auspicious and important date for Penola. It will be the 150th Anniversary of MacKillop founding of the Josephite. In conjunction with that special year, a new porch extension to the St Joseph’s church will be built. A special label of red wine, The Porch, have been bottled to raise fund for the building of the porch. Yes, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are from Coonawarra from the Hogg Family Estate Wines, 2012 vintage. The new porch is of unique design featuring restored stained glass window from the original 1859 church that was commissioned by Fr Julian Tenison Woods, who co-founded the Sister of St Joseph with Mary MacKillop in 1866. This wonderful new porch will be a tribute to Fr Julian Tenison Woods, the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, the magnificent history of the church in Penola, and past and present families of the parish.
Featuring local red to raise fund to build the porch, in time for the 2016 150th Anniversary, the founding of the Sisters of St Joseph order.
I have carted a case back to Adelaide for Christmas celebration. I am sure that the Sister will be happy to ship a case to you if you contact them at the Penola Centre. I encourage you to be part of this 150th Anniversary event.
My wife, Mary Ann and I were fortunate to participate in the canonisation of Mary MacKillop in Penola on 17 Ocober 2010. I will pencil this special date, 19 March 2016, in my iphone as it is an event not to be missed. I wouldn’t be surprise if there is a group of Aussie Camino Pilgrims walking into Penola on 19 March 2016.
Personally, I have a few relationships with the Josephite. When I was running a pharmacy, we were servicing the residents at Tappeiner Court, Kengsinton SA. Tappeiner Court . The eastern part of Adelaide and is steep with history of Mary Mackillop and her Order.
We had a lovely morning reception hosted by the Josephites. My heartfelt thanks to the Jospehites and the volunteers for such a warm and generous hospitality.
The Sister of St Joseph hosted a morning tea to celebrate our Pilgrimage. The passports are also officially stamped by Sis Claire Larkin. L-R Peter S, Noel, Andy, Peter McC
During the morning tea, our attentions turned to Greg for his final episode on the life of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. This was the concluding chapter as this was our last day.
Greg’s On MacKillop – Tenison Woods Episode 3
We appreciated Greg’s 3-part presentations. We were very blessed to have Greg with us on this pilgrimage, as seeing the pilgrimage through his eyes (the life of MacKillop-Woods) was an unexpected bonus. Talking about tradition, Luke, Greg have just started another new tradition for the Aussie Camino. I suggest that the “Road Map of MacKillop-Woods’s Life” should be officially included in future Camino to serve as an indepth appreciation of this camino
Mass started just after 9am as Mgnsr Rob Egar was waiting for Luke Mills. He commented that without Luke, we couldn’t start. It would be like having a canonisation without the Pope. So, Luke, you are the “pope” of the Aussie Camino.
Pilgrims mass at St Joseph Church
We were joined by a few locals including Tom and his wife. They helped in preparing and opening the church at Kalangadoo. The mass was con-celebrated by Mgsnr Rob Egar and the local priest. It was special to me as this was the concluding mass of Thanksgiving for the successful arrival of every single pilgrims. For some it was also emotional as we reached the conclusion of the camino.
See the Hand of God in All that Happens
We also learnt of an honour for the pilgrims: the Chalice used for the consecration of the wine is the Chalice that belonged to Fr JulianTenison Woods when he was the Parish priest in Penola from 1857 to 1867. I was pleasantly surprised of such a significant link at the mass, the link back to the time of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tension Woods. The chalice was of French origin dating back to around 1732.
Used by Fr J Tenison Woods in the Penola Parish 1857 to 1867. The marking on the chalice indicate that it is of French origin between 1732 to 1738 period.
Being Advent, we sang the Advent hymn, O Come O Come Emmanuel. On the left hand side of the altar, there is a mosaic painting of Mary MacKillop with this banner: “See the Hand of God in all that happens”.
After mass, we headed to The Mary MacKillop Centre for a reception by the Josephites, stamping of the passport and receiving the Aussie Camino Compostela Certificate. This was a proud moment for everyone.
Each of us had done their personal best. Talking to the Camino’s veteran, each walk is unique in its own right. The Aussie Camino is no exception. It is characteristically Mary MacKillop’s in nature.
There were many surprises, along the walk: varied terrain from cliff tops to sand dunes, soft beach and hard beach with incoming surf, Aussie bushland, country road, farms and paddocks, quiet country town, lovely people etc The scenery was truly amazingly beautiful as God intended it to be. As with the weather we virtually had the Aussie summer with blazing sun and heat, strong wind, a summer thunderstorm with pelting rain and just to spice up the wonder of God, a short sting of sleet but short of snow. That experiences were like the life of Mary MacKillop which was full of twists and turns.
There is much to learn from this great Aussie Saint.
This was our last day as a group before we return home.
Program for the final day
There were a few official activities for the day:
9am mass at St Joseph Church
Stamping the passport with the official seal of Aussie Camino – Penola.
Receiving the Aussie Camino Compostela Certificate, after being signed by Sis Claire Larkin, Chairperson, Mary MacKillop Penola Centre.
After morning mass coffee reception hosted by the Sister of St Joseph, the Josephites at Mary MacKillop Penola Centre.
Then, we were free to explore:
The Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre
The historical Woods-MacKillop Schoolhouse
The Old convent
Penola charming town
A bus have been arranged to pick up the interstate pilgrims back to Portland, leaving at 11.30am.
The South Australians (Mgsnr Rob Egar, Phil and Tee Ping) made their own arrangements back to Adelaide.
Last night accommodation at Coonawarra Motel was comfortable. After dinner, it was a lovely walk in the cool evening crisp country air back to the motel from Royal Oak Hotel. In a few months time, the air will be filled with the wonderful smell of ripening grapes from this world famous region in the world. – Coonwawarra region. It was a short walk and the street was very quiet and peaceful. After having a few farewell glasses of white and red bought by various generous pilgrims, I slept very well.
At the crack of dawn, the group was already up and on the move. We did take it a bit more leisurely this morning as we were not committed to start walking by 7.30am. The beauty about the camino at this time of the year was the long extended light hours due to daylight saving. The first light was just after 5am and last light was about 9am. The only risk about the weather at this time of the year is the hot northerly wind coming down from the desert. We missed all the bad weather other than one day of extreme weather from Mt Gambier to Kalangadoo.
Farewell Breakfast
We gathered at Vintage Café, along the town’s main strip. We flagged passing by pilgrims as they head into the church. Before long, we had a small gathering of about 50% of the pilgrims. There was another earlier group already gathered in a café further into town.
The breakfast was decent and for future pilgrims, you can be reassured that in Penola, you can get nice breakfast with your choice of proper coffee or tea (served nicely in a teapot).
L-R Jill, Andy, Kalee, Chrissy
There is still a lot to talk about, even on the last day. L-R Peter S, John, Greg, Luke, Noel
For once, we walked leisurely back to the hotel without any day packs. At the hotel, the drinking group grew bigger and bigger as more pilgrims returned, stories were exchanged. I also realized that in less than 15 hours, we would be heading back to our own private world.
L-R Peter, Peggy, Keelin, Tom (local partishioner), Paul and Noel
There is a strong connection of this hotel to Mary MacKillop. Alexander Cameron, uncle of Mary Mackillop, founded the township of Penola and went ahead to open a hotel. He was issued one of the earliest Hotel licences in South Austrlia, during the year of 1848.
“Alexander Cameron and his wife Margaret (nee MacKillop) had moved to the district in 1845 to establish grazing land and lived on Old Penola Station. The couple hired their niece, Mary MacKillop, to work as a governess for their children, and Mary arrived in Penola in 1860 at the age of 18. After briefly returning to her family in Melbourne, Mary MacKillop then travelled to Portland in April 1862 where she worked as a governess and teacher. She returned to Penola in 1866 with her sister Lexie, and met up with another sister, Annie, at the Royal Oak Hotel, which at the time was being managed by their uncle Donald MacDonald. The three MacKillop girls then rented Winella Cottage, which was formerly located in a paddock on the western fringe of the town”.
The word Penola was the local Pinchunga Aboriginal name for ‘wooden house’, which was the term used for the original building located at the rear of the current two-storey hotel built in 1872.
I knew the history of the hotel and I thought it was quite nostalgic to be sitting in the hotel as a pilgrim that has so much link with Mary MacKillop.
RoyalOak Hotel
The dinner was noisy with that many chatters. The adrenaline was still pumping even though the physical walk had ended.
A few speeches were delivered capturing the spirit of the friendship that was formed. I expressed by heartfelt appreciation to Luke for his vision and the physical effort made in mapping out the route. He told me that the day before he made his initial trip, a close friend with valued hiking experience pulled out, citing that the route and the journey was not physically possible. That did create some concern and put a damper as he was a trusted and experienced hiker. There were initially about 10 planning to pioneer the first walk. The final number were down to Luke with two workmates. Three of these visionary and brave men carved the path for us, The Aussie Camino. The initial walk was followed by countless hours of refining the pilgrimage, looking at each of the stages and routes. Luke even drove down to different part of the routes to test walk out new routes, taking the pilgrims off busy road (for safety and for a much peaceful ambiance). He did all these without asking for any returns. I thought it was appropriate that Luke be recognised for his vision and leadership. A big man with such a big heart. We salute you, Luke.
Noel also gave a little speech expressing his message in the context of “Drains and Radiators”. I never heard of this until I met Noel. You can read all about this in the web. There are people who drain you and tires you out. There are people who are warm, generous, and rather give than receiving, they are givers and act as radiators.
This was a timely message for us to return from the pilgrimage as radiators. For many that are already radiating, let them radiates more than ever, to make a bigger difference. Mary MacKillop was and still is acting as a radiator, warming up the hearts of man.
While I was walking, I was reflecting on a simple tips given by my brother, Joe – How to be at peace and be happy, be grateful for what God gives us. The tips are the 3C’s to avoid: Crticise, Compare and Complain. When it is crystalized into such a simple way to look at our lives, it makes sense. Crticising is part of our given talent. The media runs stories after stories as human being we loved these type of stories . By criticising, there is an underlying tone of superiority, that I can see the “Wrong” and I got the solution. The second C is part of human DNA; we always compare, from money, wealth, size of cars (or 4WD- mine is bigger), kids, beauty, etc. The third C is Complaining. The unconstructive criticism, gong on whining. I learnt that these 3 C’s are draining and do nothing in radiating. That came to my mine when Noel was talking about Drains and Radiators. I thought it was timely for the mind to gel these simple thoughts to end the camino.
Much was drank, and much was exchanged. I am glad that all the wine drank were from the local Coonawarra area. Peggy ordered a white, Pinot Gris from Raidis Estate. It was surprisingly very fresh with a light tropical fruitiness. I enjoyed that. I always thought that the Coonawarra is too hot for a nice drop of white. It goes without saying the red is what made Coonawrra world’s famous.
Therefore the Jim Barry wine “The Cover Drive” Cabernet Sauvignon was a enjoyable medium bodied red. Thanks to Noel for shouting the red. Mary Mackillop have chosen well, Penola, as the destination for the pilgrims.
And…. for the special pilgrims, Chrissy is here to entertain her another of her hidden talent (the other person who can sing is David S. I heard him singing at the Port Macdonnell cabin on Sunday night at about 11pm). Watch her sing!
We ended the night with a slow walk back to the motel. You might say that this was a happy ending and it was a happy ending.
We all came for a reason or reasons, as seeker of something. Whether we found all the answers, all or part of, we have achieved in one way or another.
For those that came for the wine in Penola, they got one of the best wines in the world in the town of Penola.
For those looking for adventure, there is a romantic side of hiking through the Aussie outback, from cliff tops to sand dunes, to beaches and through paddocks and deserted country town.
For those seeking physical challenge, it was challenging. It is not like the European camino. The distance between the starting point and destination in Australia are great. There are few or no facilities in between.
For those seeking the light, the spiritual enrichment, the ambiance and the company provided the ideal environment for that to flourish.
For those who just want a walk, to enjoy the whole Camino experience in the Aussie way, this is it and you will not be disappointed.
Go for it. As some wise pilgrims said to me (in the context of the European Camino), “Do not over think about it, just go for it”.
We first caught a glimpse of the Royal Oak Hotel when we turned the corner, we saw the St Joseph’s Church at the far end. I recognised the church as I was in Penola on the day of her canonisation, 17 Oct 2010. Our cameras started clicking as we finally reached the door steps of the church. We gathered under a big shady tree to congratulate each other. There were a few emotional moments of joy and elation. I felt great that I got to my destination in good physical shape, enjoyed the walk, enjoyed the camaraderie of the pilgrims.
Sis Claire Larkin, Chairperson of the Mary MacKillop Centre Penola was there to greet and welcomed us into the Interpretive Centre. We were ushered out into a lovely cool decking where chairs were pulled out and cold water was served. Every single pilgrims including our support team, Peter, looked happy and proud. I never felt that good, to sit down with a glass of cold water.
Before long we walked another kilometer or so to the Coonwarra Motel to check in for a hot shower, change of clothes before heading back to the Royal Oak Hotel for a drink and dinner.
We were welcomed to a nice cold deck with drink and chairs to sit.
The Three Amigos who laughed their ways to Penola. L-R Andy, Kalee & Tee Ping
It was a relief to get back on the dirt track, white as snow. It was a long long straight road, as far as the eyes could see. I knew that when I reached the end of this road, there would be a welcoming by the first arrivals. I journeyed on and on and through the distance, I eventually could see someone in green tops waving away. That was Jill signaling, as she had done many times, that I was not far off.
This was the meeting station for us to regroup before walking as the pilgrims of Aussie Camino Christmas 2014 into Penola. This was a god spot to rest and wait before the rest arrive.
It was a hot day and getting to a shady stop was a welcoming break. I went through the same routine at this stop: taking off the shoes, the socks, airing the feet, giving them a gentle massage and have a drink (with gastrolyte to keep the electrolyte in balance) were all part of the stop. Since I was the first few to arrive, I have the luxury in getting a good rest.
While I was resting, I saw John heading back to the railway tracks. With a big heart, John walked back, in the midday summer sun, to the new “Aussie Camino Cru de Ferro” point to assist the incoming pilgrims. This was a reasonable extra walk. Not many of us have the energy to walk backward, to where we came from.
I nicknamed him “John the baptist (with a lower case “b”)” as he walked with ease in his sandals, even across Euope!!!!. He is a fast walker and he would be ahead of us to “straighten our path” and shoo away the snakes too.
John knew that the remaining pilgrims have to climb over the barbed wire fence and it meant a lot to get a helping hand when you were tired. We saw what barbed wire could do to the shirt, as Paul had his sleeve ripped by the barbed wire while negotiating the fence when he was walking across France. That was the reasons why Luke designed his style (a type of ladder) to ensure that crossing any fence along the paddocks was made easy.
Finally every single pilgrims arrived at the meeting point, at the junction of Kidman Lane and Mount Burr Road.
We were eager as beaver heading into Penola. We were walking along the Riddoch Highway. This highway is named after a Scotsman, John Riddoch, who planted the first vines, laying the rich foundations of Coonawarra’s quality wines. We came to a touristy Penola signpost, meaning that this was a photo opportunity time.
We were eager as beaver heading into Penola, stopping at the important Penola tourist signpost for a photo opportunity.
Suddenly, the tired feet felt lighter as we headed into Penola. Luke led the group and rightfully it was his honour to take us into the town.
This was his third walk, the first was the pioneering and discovery trip to map out the route. The second was this Easter taking the first official group of pilgrims to Penola. And here we were the third Pilgrims group making its triumphant (so I felt) entry into the town.
After the gathering, we were all set to go. It was an enthusiastic start. It was a bit like the crowd rushing off at the City to Beach walk. It was noticeably a faster pace this morning with the subconscious mind focussing on Penola. I have constantly reminded myself during this pilgrimage that it is the journey that counts, not the destination.
Today, I wouldn’t deny that I was focussed on the destination. There was a heightened excitement to get to Penola. We headed east out of town and then we would be heading north, further into Coonwarra region. For anyone that loved red wine, this walk will bring reward of beautiful wine at the bar later today. Today the walk would be flat , across some paddocks with two stretches along the disused railway tracks. The track was opened in 1888 and ceased operation 1985.
It was a lovely morning walk out of town with blue sky without a car on the road. Before long we came to the paddocks. We walked for as long as we could on the paddocks, running parallel to the railway tracks.
Greg is on his way to Penola
I was walking with Peter S and learnt a fair bit life in the country. Peter grew up in the farm and he gave me a first hand insight of life in the country. He is county boy and while I was walking along the coastlines, I also learnt that he was very familiar with the walk. As his Portland parish is not far from the Great South West Walk, he would regularly go for a lovely hike in that part of the world. Peter will be leaving the Portland parish heading to Wendouree (Ballarat) and I am happy for him as he will still be in the country.
Jill walking with others on this track that runs parallel to the disused railway track.
It might be my imagination but the steps were lighter today. I was moving at a sprinting pace. Before long, we were on the railway tracks. The undergrowth was overgrown and the only thing to worry about was snakes. There was a couple of groups ahead of me, John, Jill, Peter, Noel and Chrissy. They were straightening the path ahead of us. At the same time, they would have (I hope) shoo away snakes.
Noel on the railway tracks
I was walking on my own, as Noel and Chrissy were getting further and further ahead of me. Peter was no way to be seen. Behind me was Greg but he must have fallen so far behind that I couldn’t see him.
This gave me an opportunity to walk in silence on this last day. I was in great no hurry but keep moving at a steady pace. It was peaceful and I was in a perfectly safe environment (knowing that the snakes have been shoo away by the leaders of the pilgrims) as I savored this rare opportunity to walk in solitude heading towards Penola.
The Franciscan friar , Father Richard Rohr, describes this process as letting go:
“All great spirituality teaches about letting go of what you don’t need and who you are not. Then, when you can get little enough and naked enough and poor enough, you’ll find that the little place where you really are is ironically more than enough and is all that you need. At that place, you will have nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to protect.
That place is called freedom. It’s the freedom of the children of God. Such people can connect with everybody. They don’t feel the need to eliminate anybody . . .”
Richard Rohr, Healing Our Violence through the Journey of Centering Prayer
Thees words are just mightily powerful.
One of the lessons that will nimble away is the message of declattering and simplicity as the steps forward in my life – materilaistically, physically and emotionally. Looking back hindsight, I over packed for this trip, applying the “just in case” principle. I washed my clothes and socks at the end of each day. Therefore, why did I carry so many extra sets! I only used about 20% of what I brought. I only ate about 10% of the food I packed. It might be a sign of insecurity- the insurance factor- “just in-case”, the need to possess things, not letting go the luxury of everyday living, a big heavy bag with lots of stuff equal to security. Ah..ah.. not anymore. From the physical side, I learnt a few things from John, to carry the minimum. John would be sending his tried and tested packing list for camino. Look out for the list in this blogg. From the spiritual side, I learnt a simple message from my fellow clergy pilgrims: the wonderfulness of silence and peace. (That is a hard act to master!) Dave shared with me the value of silence. Since then I read a bit more about silence.
Learning to have a silence will take a while but I can see the benefits of the discipline. A Benedictine Christopher Jamison of Worth Abbey says it well: “Silence is a gateway to the soul, and the soul is the gateway to God”. There is much to reflect on as captured below:
“God cannot be found in noise and agitation. His true power and love are revealed in what is hardly perceptible, in the gentle breeze that requires stillness and quiet to detect. In silence, God listens to us. In silence, listen to Him. In silence, God speaks to our souls and the power of His word is enough to transform our very being. We cannot speak to God and to the world at the same time. We need the sacred space that silence creates in order to turn our undivided attention toward God even if it is only for a few precious moments of our day.
Many respected persons made it a practice to rise in the night or in the quiet hours of the morning to seek inspiration that comes in silence, Plato, Einstein, and even Jesus Himself. We all should find a time and a place to be in silent prayer. In the Carmelite tradition, the spiritual life is said to have two aims: the first is about our love of God and the second is about God’s love for us. The practice of silence facilitates both of these aims”.
Source: intergratedcatholiclife.org
Now, it was becoming obvious with the cautionary note to wear long pants. The long weeds could cut the leg or caused allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. I am doubtful whether the long pants could protect me from snakes!
Very very old railway sleeper
While it was not a difficult walk as it was on a flat terrain, I had to watch where I put my foot so as to avoid hurting my weakened ankle. The tracks were covered with small rocks and they looked like granite with reddish color. This track went on for kilometres after kilometres. According to the guide the first stretch of the track was about 2km and the second part of the railway walk was about 3.6km. The end of the walk on the raod would be indicated by a dirt track on the left. When I finally got there, I got off the track and climbed over the fence to get back to the gravel road. Here I threw a stone I picked from the track, at the foot of the fence post as a part of the Camino de Santiago tradition. In the Camino de Santiago, one of the most compelling stop and amazing sight is the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross). Here, pilgrims carry a stone with them and will leave at the foot of the cross. Now the pile of stones and pebbles has grown to a small hill from the hundreds of thousands of stones left by pilgrims over nearly 1000 years. This is a symbolic and powerful tradition, to leave my unnecessary baggage behind.
Back to the throwing the stone at the fence post: I imagined that one day, many years from now, maybe 1000 years on, there will be a pile of rocks at this particular post. A cross eventually will be built as a symbolic gesture for the Aussie Camino pilgrims. This can potentially be another Cruz de Ferro in the land of the Southern Cross. We are the pioneers we have started another Camino tradition.
St. Mary MacKillop Camino 