<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>I'm new to this list (as of one day), and I will be making my first pilgrimage in June. While I can't vouch whether the church has been nonsupportive to adventurers, I would only like to make three observations:
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<BR>1. The application of Catholic practices may be more conservative in rural Spain than the United States. Even other Christians--Protestants and Evangelicals--may disapprove of certain Catholic practices and theology connected to pilgrimages.
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<BR>2. Generally, we live in a secular world. Most rituals and institutions have completely lost their religious origins. I'm thankful that the Catholic church is trying to hold onto the religious roots of the Pilgrimage. This makes El Camino unique. Without the spiritual aspects, El Camino is the Appalachian Trail.
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<BR>3. It seems pointless to debate the superiority of experiences. We are all travelers on the same road, a cause for celebration.
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<BR>Marcia Whitney-Schenck</FONT></HTML>