The walk to Santiago

The Augustinian Youths group Malta is currently making preparations to undergo an experience in Spain as part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage planned for the upcoming Summer recess. This experience, typically known simply as “Camino de Santiago”, is an encounter of numerous pilgrims from all around the World who walk along various pilgrim routes which meet at the tomb of St. James (Santiago) in Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.

This involves walking different routes of at least 100km in the form of a spiritual retreat, and for this reason the Augustinian Youths group is now undertaking various physical challenges as part of the preparations necessary to undertake such a journey. Training has recently involved several walks of approximately 15km around the island of Malta and along different routes with varying terrain and difficulty. Several other walks are planned along the way, effectively leading to the ultimate Camino experience which is intended as a 10-day journey along the Portuguese route during the month of August 2022.

This route, also known as the Coastal Way, is a quieter but equally impressive alternative route to the traditional central way of the Portuguese Camino. Our starting point will be the beautiful city of Porto and follows the Atlantic coastline and the sandy beaches of Northern Portugal and Galicia. The scope of undertaking these challenges in preparation for the Camino is not a competitive one, as the purpose stretches beyond the level of fitness of the person undertaking the journey. Whilst some pilgrims might take longer than other to make it to Santiago de Compostela, the challenge is merely a personal and spiritual one. However, physical preparation before our departure will be a massive benefit for the group along the way, reducing the chances of injuries and adding strength and stability training to keep our Maltese pilgrims steady.

The entire group is composed of around ten individuals from different walks of life, with distinct talents, abilities, interests and experiences, and together this gives us strength and hope to support one another mentally, physically and spiritually so that this experience will be fruitful towards one another, leaving a positive impact within the lives of everyone of us. 

This is one of the few activities being organized by Augustinian Youths. Various other activities such as discussions, hikes, moments of prayers, voluntary work etc... are offered to youths between 20 and 35yrs. If you are in this age bracket or know someone who would like to join Augustinian Youths, you can contact Fr Terence Spiteri osa on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through Augustinian Youths Facebook. 

Edward Abela