2025 Camino de Peñafrancia (Day 7)
Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of St. John, San Jose, CS to St Marten de Porres, Goa, CS
Distance: 26 KM
What’s the reason why some pilgrims get up so early? Too much caffeine, too much anxiety, or just simply too excited, they start packing their gear early.
Everyone woke up earlier than agreed the previous night. After a quick pack-up, we came out of our quarters and prepared for today’s prayer. As we took some group pictures, we were finally ready to start our Camino when suddenly a heavy downpour of rain began. Not all the pilgrims were prepared for the rain. Those with umbrellas continued walking out of the church premises, while those without started looking for a place to buy one. Others simply ignored the rain or waited for it to subside. This presented a different challenge for everyone. Without heat, the pace quickened.
The trek towards Sts. Philipp and James Parish in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, accelerated, catching the assigned parish priest off guard. They had prepared a small token of appreciation featuring their favorite “binamban” products, which are the best in Camarines Sur. Some were eager to continue the journey to the next parish, but I held them back, as it would have been embarrassing for our pilgrimage. Besides, the rain did not stop
After being introduced to the current parish priest and taking some group pictures, we continued our journey to Goa, where we planned to visit two more parish churches. Our pilgrimage took us to downtown Goa, home to the St. John the Evangelist Parish.
After a brief stop, we proceeded to the St. Martin de Porres Parish Church, where the Goa Elementary School band played the hymn of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The band, made up of enthusiastic children aged 9 to 12, provided a heartwarming gesture for the pilgrims as we passed by.
The rain had a brief break throughout the day but continued to pour heavily afterward. I think we needed this as we took the remaining hours just relaxing and waiting for our dinner.
Tomorrow will be tricky since we planned to walk early, but if the rain doesn’t stop, I think we need to postpone our walk to 5:00 AM.
BUEN CAMINO!
VIVA LA VIRGEN!
VIVA DIVINO ROSTRO!
About the Author
DENNIS T. MARPURI graduated from Ateneo de Naga High School. He was an independent IT consultant in the US and worked in nine different states doing contracts primarily with Federal government agencies and Fortune 500 companies. He also became a professional photographer covering NCAA college sports. Now retired, he and his wife love to travel to Europe. They divide their time between Northern California with their immediate family and Ocampo, Camarines Sur, his hometown, where he promotes mountain biking for the local youth. He is the founder and principal advocate of Camino de Penafrancia.
