Last week, a group of 11 young adults and four leaders from the Diocese of St Albans completed a remarkable pilgrimage along the Camino Inglés, walking 113km to Santiago de Compostela as part of their year long programme, the Alban Way.
The journey had its ups and downs, both literally and metaphorically. Early in the week, one pilgrim described the experience as being like a jigsaw puzzle: each person bringing a different piece, fitting together to create something whole. That image proved true, as the group encouraged and supported one another through moments of physical challenge and spiritual growth.
Throughout the week, the young adults took turns leading morning and evening worship, sharing reflections and testimony of what God has been doing in their lives. Along the way, they met fellow pilgrims who became part of their story: none more so than Stan, a retired Episcopalian minister from the USA, who they encountered daily. Stan not only walked with the group but also joined them in worship on occasion, a reminder of the global fellowship of faith.
On the final day, the group paused to reflect on what they wanted to lay down before returning home. After a time of silence, they entered the cathedral square in Santiago with both joy and tears, grateful for the journey, the community formed, and God’s presence throughout.
Alana, one of the pilgrims, reflected:
“When I signed up for the pilgrimage in Spain with the Alban Way, I knew physically it would be challenging. What I wasn’t prepared for, was the emotional and spiritual impact it had. The spiritual community we created when we were physically at breaking point, was profound! We made our family through faith.”
Meg, another of the group, shared:
“As we walked towards Santiago we were reminded that the Christian life, like this pilgrimage, is never walked alone. We linked arms, we sang songs, we shared silence, we prayed over each other, and we lifted one another up the hills. And so it is with our faith: Jesus walks with us. The Camino was a truly transformative time, a reminder that our loving Father places us in community so that we are strengthened together.”
Archdeacon Dave Middlebrook, who joined the pilgrimage and has been one of the group leaders throughout the year, commented:
“As a leader it has been incredible to see the young adults grow in faith and confidence. It has been deeply moving to hear their reflections each morning and evening in our times of worship, and walk with them on the way. I thank God that through The Alban Way year I have found my own faith deepened and reignited as I’ve shared with the young adults and fellow leaders in worship, spiritual practices and reflection.”
The Camino was more than a walk. For those who journeyed, it was a time of challenge and transformation, of community and prayer, and of discovering anew that God walks with us every step of the way.
This is the first of two pilgrimages this year as part of The Alban Way and we continue to pray for the young adults who will be taking part in the Lindisfarne pilgrimage next weekend.
The Alban Way is a discipleship year for 18–35s. If you know someone who might be interested in joining the 2026 cohort, please share this link with them: Register Your Interest for 2026. You can also read more on The Alban Way website.
