BY PROF. ENRIQUE SORIANO
AS I STAND here in Austria, ready to begin this year’s Camino pilgrimage through the mountains of Austria and southern Germany, I find myself reflecting on how special this journey truly is.
This week, I will be walking alongside a select group of clients who have become lifelong friends, covering nearly 250 kms to 280 kms over 13 days. Beyond the physical endurance it demands, this pilgrimage is a chance for profound spiritual introspection.
This year’s walk holds a unique distinction. I’ve learned that this route, spanning Austria and Germany, may be the first of its kind among Filipino pilgrims.
Traditionally, Camino walks are done in Spain, Portugal, and France, with the ultimate destination being Santiago de Compostela. The opportunity to tread new paths in these regions brings a fresh perspective to this ancient pilgrimage.
This year marks my fourth Camino trek, and the inspiration to return each time stems from both the deep personal insights I gain and the camaraderie fostered with my fellow pilgrims. My dear friends and clients from Cebu were instrumental in encouraging me to join this annual journey, and it has since become a vital tradition in my life.
The history of this pilgrimage dates back to the 9th century, when the tomb of St. James the Great was discovered in Santiago de Compostela. Legend tells of a celestial sign revealing his burial site, sparking a tradition that continues to attract people from all over the world, seeking both spiritual renewal and personal meaning.
Over the years, I’ve walked several historic Camino routes. From the Camino Francés, starting in the French Pyrenees, to the Camino Norte along Spain’s northern coast, and last year’s journey on the Via de la Plata, each route has offered new challenges and insights. This year, as I walk through Austria and Germany, I anticipate discovering yet another layer of the Camino’s transformative power.
For me, the Camino is much more than a physical test — it’s an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and reflect deeply on the questions that often go unanswered. Every pilgrim carries their own burden, and walking this path provides the rare space to confront those inner struggles. It is, at its core, a journey inward.
As I prepare for this year’s pilgrimage, the anticipation builds. Walking through new terrain, I look forward to personal renewal and deep reflection. Each step offers the chance to rediscover the values and passions that shape my life.
Why do I return to the Camino year after year? The answer lies in the fleeting nature of life. We cannot wait for the perfect moment to seek meaning or adventure. The Camino reminds me that each challenge, each step, is a gift — an opportunity to live fully and authentically. That’s why I keep walking, one step at a time, year after year./PN
