Their names are Jesús and Jesús. And while they may look like brothers, they are actually good friends who like to walk. One is a reserve military man and the other a Latin teacher whose goal after retirement was to go on pilgrimage to Rome. Their trip was anything but typical. No car, no plane, no boat. Just 1600 miles on foot to the Eternal City in about four months.
JESÚS PINO
Spanish pilgrim
We said: “When we retire, let's go on an adventure that's a bit different,” and we came up with the crazy idea of coming to Rome, which at first seemed insane, and until we finished, I never stopped thinking it was insane…It seemed crazy, but in the end, with help and prayers of all kinds, including our own prayers, we managed to arrive on August 6 in the Vatican Square. We feel radiant, like the sun.
They started at the monastery of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Spain. And the destination was the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican. Their finish line was greeting Pope Francis after the General Audience.
JESÚS MONJA
Spanish pilgrim
We had a few seconds to say something to him and we shook hands with him. Jesús told him we had come on pilgrimage from Guadalupe.
And then the Pope blessed the rosary we have been praying with on the road.
The two men's faith has grown through this journey. And as they return home, they take with them the memories of this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.
CA
TR: KG
