A group of Aquinas students who took part in the college’s Camino pilgrimage in 2025 were so inspired by the experience that they decided to continue the journey independently this summer in 2026, with plans to make it a regular part of their summers together.
The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James, is a network of historic pilgrimage routes leading towards Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. Walked by pilgrims for centuries, the Camino offers an opportunity for reflection, personal challenge and companionship, with travellers making their way between towns and villages and staying in hostels along the route.
For the group, returning independently gave them the chance to recreate the sense of community and reflection they had experienced on their original Aquinas pilgrimage.
Student Isla reflected on what the experience meant to them:
“Our Camino still had that very beautiful, reflective air about it. The seven of us have always been very fortunate to be so close, and spending that time together, talking about our plans and our lives, was really wonderful.
We lived together, cooked for each other, sat by rivers in the evenings and visited local restaurants and bars. It wasn’t far removed from our usual lives, but there was something really special about simply having that time together.
Thank you for introducing us to the Camino. I think it will be a defining part of our summers for a long time to come. We had such a good time, and I definitely gained some sympathy for you after trying to organise all the hostels and transport ourselves!”
What began as an Aquinas pilgrimage has clearly left a lasting impression. It is wonderful to see students taking the experience beyond college, organising their own journey and continuing a tradition of friendship, reflection and adventure that they hope will remain with them for years to come.
