This weekend we set out on something special: to walk part of the route taken by many people during the Spanish Civil War to flee to France. Specifically, we wanted to follow in the footsteps of saint Josemaría Escrivà, who crossed the Pyrenees to reach Andorra and, from there, continue his mission.

However, what seemed like a historical route became a true experience of overcoming challenges, sharing life, and discovery.

From the very beginning, the path tested us. We crossed areas covered by veritable “curtains” of threads teeming with worms, we pressed on through exhaustion… and then came a particularly demanding moment: we ran out of water. Far from creating tension, it was an opportunity to experience something valuable: sharing what we had, rationing, taking care of one another. Friendship became tangible in these small gestures.

Finally, we reached the Ribalera ravine, a place steeped in meaning. There we stopped to contemplate the place where saint Josemaría celebrated Mass on his way to Andorra. It was a moment of silence, of connection with history, and of inner reflection.

On the way back, already out of water, almost as an unexpected reward, we ended up arriving at a natural spring in Peramola, where we were able to regain our strength.

Another of the weekend’s great adventures was managing to attend Mass. After driving for miles in search of one without success, we shared our experience with Father Jordi. Upon hearing us, he generously offered to celebrate it and said something that deeply touched us: “If you are here, it is because you value the Mass.” That gesture, along with his words, reminded us of what is essential.

Furthermore, he left us with a message when we went to thank him for that gesture, which continues to resonate within us: “You are the future; seek the true treasure. The most important work we can do is to love, above all, seek LOVE in capital letters.”

The weekend also offered moments of joy: games, laughter, shared exhaustion… and unexpected experiences, such as attending the Motocross World Championship in Oliana, which added a surprising contrast to the experience.

We also had the privilege of listening to Ramon, who explained the events of 1937 in detail and helped us better understand the history we were reliving.

The grand finale was a sung Mass, celebrated with special care, in Pallerols, a place deeply connected to this historical episode.

This trip has been much more than an excursion. It has been a school of resilience, a lesson in friendship lived out in concrete ways, and an experience where faith has taken shape amidst effort and shared life.

An experience that leaves a lasting impression.