The tiredness didn’t yet weigh on the pilgrims’ legs. But we were already prepared for the fact that today’s route wouldn’t be easy: we had to cross the Garraf. Luckily the sea breeze kept us company in the morning, until the sun came out, hot, to scorch us a little. Luckily we are well stocked with sun cream and good caps.
The first hour, as always, in silence. Before we started walking, Fr Toni gave us a short commentary on today’s reading, which speaks of Joseph, Jacob’s son, who is betrayed by his brothers and sold as a slave. How God brought Joseph all the way to Egypt and took care of him there at every moment, until he became Pharaoh’s counsellor. And all this can happen to us: the problems of everyday life can overwhelm us. But we need to see God’s providence at every moment, knowing how to see his plans, in which he includes the cross and in which he encourages us to embrace it.
We passed the Promsa quarry and some very kind workers showed us which way to go. What lovely people we keep meeting along the way!
The atmosphere was good, so good that, when we reached Sitges, they started singing from one end of the town to the other. Everyone who came across us was amazed, and Kathe kept handing out some cards we’ve made with the website on them, so that people get to know the project and so that they are a small tool for bringing God closer to the people we meet.
The last part of the stage wasn’t easy: the sun showed no mercy today. Luckily among the pilgrims we have real impressionists of every kind of flying species. Álvaro Peregrín imitated loads of birds, even snipe. Then he switched to ambulance and police siren mode. We were all laughing beside him; well, some were also moving away from him.
When we reached Vilanova i la Geltrú we had the great pleasure of getting changed and going to the beach for a swim and to have lunch there. What a treat, after the hot day we’ve had!
Afterwards we went straight to the church of Santa Maria de la Geltrú, where Rita was waiting for us; she has known Father for a long time.
Fr Toni preached the meditation. He explained to us how important it is always to have an upright and just heart, like Joseph, so that God can do great things, even if we aren’t able to see the good that happens to us in life; but God always knows how to bring good out of everything, even out of what is bad.
For Holy Mass, everything had been prepared by Sergio, a young man from the town who helps at the parish, whose dedication and willingness surprised us all. Mass was presided over by Fr Josep Sellarés, ordained on 18 June, barely two weeks ago. What a joy and what great luck that Fr Josep presided at our Mass! He left us all deeply moved.
Then we went back to where we’re sleeping, a municipal sports hall where Peri and Paco treated us brilliantly. It’s lovely to go to places where people welcome you with a smile and make the pilgrimage easier for you. They loved the project of walking to Lisbon. We also left them the website cards.
Today there was a surprise for dinner: the priests went to get McDonald’s!! €1 burgers, so good! So, parents, don’t worry, we’re well fed 👍😎
We’ll tell you more tomorrow. Now we’re off to sleep, because tomorrow we have to keep walking.
See you tomorrow, parents!