The whole group from Pamplona

Below we transcribe the chronicle that one of the walkers sent us.

“On June 22, a group of university students from Pamplona arrived in Pallerols ready to follow in the footsteps of Saint Josemaría Escrivá on his escape route across the Pyrenees to Andorra. A priest, Eduardo Terrasa, was also with us, who provided us with spiritual care and celebrated mass every day.

At the church of Pallerols

Coming down from the Saint Raphael Cabin; in the background, Pallerols

The first day was crucial; we took in the place and contextualized ourselves in the years of the Spanish Civil War (1937). It was essential because the days that followed were not about going on a hike with some friends in the “cool” mountains, we were following in the footsteps of Saint Josemaría.

At the Saint Raphael Cabin

At the Corb House

Once we had started the first stage (of the 5 we did) the first comments emerged: “and they did that in the winter?”, “and they didn’t have mountain boots?,” “they were wearing espadrilles!?”, “they really didn’t have anything to eat or drink?”, among other comments. The journey to Andorra was a sweaty and enjoyable one.

We invented a term that we used when one of the university students in the group made a positive comment or, simply put, showed an attitude of audacity or courage: “Varga’s point” (referring to the attitude of Juan Jiménez Vargas).

Just as important as following in the exact footsteps of the giants of 1937 who preceded us, were the good meals and conversations we had on the daily return to the house in Pallerols. These were moments of calm, accompanied by a little Ratafia from the lands of Rialb, which facilitated some endearing conversations that will be engraved in stone in our hearts, of the years spent at the university and the coexistence of the Pyrenees Trail.

To the Ribalera way

To the Ribalera way

To the Ribalera way

On June 26, the anniversary of the death of Saint Josemaría and therefore a great feast for the entire Church, we completed the final stage with the arrival in Sant Julià de Lòria (Andorra), at the parish church where we celebrated Holy Mass.

About to climb the Barranc de la Cabra Morta

At the Oratory of Canòlich, in Sant Julià de Lòria

At the church of Sant Julià de Lòria

A final stage that not only had a significant positive difference, but also a deep spiritual meaning. Completing this madness together with Saint Josemaría and the 7 companions, was the best way to celebrate the feast of this saint to whom we owe so much”.