Prayers and Beatitudes

                      A Pilgrim's Prayer 

Although I may have travelled all the roads,
crossed mountains and valleys from East to West, 
if I have not discovered the freedom to be myself,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have shared all of my possessions
with people of other languages and cultures;
made friends with Pilgrims of a thousand paths,
or shared albergue with saints and princes,
if I am not capable of forgiving my neighbour tomorrow,
I have arrived nowhere. 

Although I may have carried my pack from beginning to end
and waited for every Pilgrim in need of encouragement, 
or given my bed to one who arrived later than I,
given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing;
if upon returning to my home and work, 
I am not able to create brotherhood
or to make happiness, peace and unity,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have had food and water each day,
and enjoyed a roof and shower every night;
or may have had my injuries well attended,
if I have not discovered in all that the love of God,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have seen all the monuments
and contemplated the best sunsets;
although I may have learned a greeting in every language;
or tried the clean water from every fountain;
if I have not discovered who is the author
of so much free beauty and so much peace,
I have arrived nowhere.

If from today I do not continue walking along the Way,
searching for and living according to what I have learned;
if from today I do not see in every person, friend or foe
a companion on the Camino;
I have arrived nowhere. 

                            The Beatitudes of the Pilgrim

Blessed are you pilgrim, if you discover that the “camino” opens your eyes to what is not seen. 

Blessed are you pilgrim, if what concerns you most is not to arrive, as to arrive with others.

Blessed are you pilgrim, when you contemplate the “camino” and you discover it is full of names and dawns. 

Blessed are you pilgrim, because you have discovered that the authentic “camino” begins when it is completed.

Blessed are you pilgrim, if your knapsack is emptying of things and your heart does not know where to hang up so many feelings and emotions.

Blessed are you pilgrim, if you discover that one step back to help another is more valuable than a hundred forward without seeing what is at your side.

Blessed are you pilgrim, when you don’t have words to give thanks for everything that surprises you at every twist and turn of the way.

Blessed are you pilgrim, if you search for the truth and make of the “camino” a life and of your life a “way” in search of the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Blessed are you pilgrim, if on the way you meet yourself and gift yourself with time, without rushing, so as not to disregard the image in your heart. 

Blessed are you pilgrim, if you discover that the “camino” holds a lot of silence, and the silence of prayer, and the prayer of meeting with God who 

is waiting for you." 

Dear Pilgrim, receive this concha, the badge of a Pilgrim, that all may recognize you as a Pilgrim on the road to Santiago De Compostela.