Footsteps to Santiago: A Catholic pilgrim’s journey of faith and discovery
John Kalinowski, coordinator for the Ministry of Loss & Healing at the Archdiocese of Newark, recently completed a life-changing pilgrimage along the historic Camino de Santiago. Starting in Newark, N.J., his journey led him to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. What began as a long-held dream turned into a powerful testament of faith, resilience, and spiritual connection—both with God and fellow pilgrims along the way.
The Camino de Santiago, known as “The Way of St. James,” has drawn Christian pilgrims for centuries. For Kalinowski, the journey was more than just a physical challenge—it was a spiritual quest for reflection, prayer, and a deeper connection with the Divine. After years of dreaming, Kalinowski and his wife, Kathy, set off from Newark to Madrid in August 2024. Upon arriving in Sarria, a starting point for many pilgrims, they began a transformative experience.
In Sarria, Kalinowski joined fellow travelers from across the globe, each walking the Camino with their own personal stories and motivations.
“I dedicated my Camino walk to all those suffering in body, mind, and spirit,” Kalinowski said. “My prayers were for my wife, my children, and the future of my grandchildren.” Along the way, he carried prayers for both the living and the deceased, holding his loved ones close in heart.
From the moment Kalinowski set foot on the ancient Camino de Santiago, the beauty of Galicia’s rolling hills, quiet villages, and lush vineyards surrounded him. The landscape reflected the deep Christian heritage of the region, but for Kalinowski, the journey was about much more than the scenery—it was a call to deepen his trust in God’s guidance.
As he walked, Kalinowski encountered fellow pilgrims from all walks of life. Paula, from New York City, was grieving a personal loss. Adam, a young engineer from Spain, had been walking for over 40 days, searching for meaning. These encounters, Kalinowski believed, were not mere chance, but divinely orchestrated moments of connection and solidarity. With each greeting of “Buen Camino,” the bonds between pilgrims grew stronger, united in their shared faith and purpose.
The Camino is not without its challenges. Kalinowski faced physical hardships, from painful blisters to overwhelming exhaustion, but the kindness of strangers eased the journey’s difficulties.
“One pilgrim offered me a knee wrap when I was struggling,” Kalinowski recalled, moved by the simple act of charity. These moments, he said, embodied the spirit of community that defines the Camino, where perseverance in faith became a wellspring of strength.
The physical hardships mirrored the spiritual trials Kalinowski faced along the way. Yet, through prayer and reflection, he found clarity. “The Camino had a way of stripping life down to its essentials,” Kalinowski explained, “removing distractions and revealing the quiet presence of God in every step.”
For John Kalinowski, arriving in Santiago de Compostela marked a moment of triumph and renewal. Standing before the towering cathedral, he was overwhelmed with gratitude, shedding tears of joy as he embraced fellow pilgrims who had shared in the journey. The pilgrimage had not only tested his physical endurance but had also led to profound spiritual growth.
Kalinowski said the Camino de Santiago taught him invaluable lessons—simplicity, vulnerability, and the beauty of trusting in God. His pilgrimage culminated in a Mass at the cathedral, reminding him that the true destination wasn’t a place, but a deeper relationship with Christ.
“The Camino gave me a better understanding of my faith,” Kalinowski reflected. “If you want to know about yourself and your faith, hike the Camino.” He added, “Life isn’t always easy, but through the Camino, I’ve learned to simplify, to become more understanding, and to walk with God.”
Featured image: John and Kathy Kalinowski at the historic fishing port of Finisterra, Spain, a traditional destination for pilgrims from across Europe. (Photo by John Kalinowski)
