A pilgrimage from Mission San Rafael Arcángel to Mission Dolores in San Francisco, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and the historic mission trails of California.
Going on pilgrimage is both an outward and inward journey. Take time to reflect, pray, or set an intention before you begin. The walk itself becomes a time of renewal—each step a chance to draw closer to God and to your true self.
For thousands of years, people have gone on pilgrimage in search of encounters with God, themselves, and others. The Camino de San Francisco is a path following the footprints of St. Francis, St. Junipero Serra, and the Franciscans with opportunities for reflection and prayer.
O God, who brought your servant Abraham out of the land of the Chaldeans,
protecting him in his wanderings,
who guided the Hebrew people across the desert,
we ask that you watch over your servants who, for the love of your name,
make a pilgrimage to Compostela.
Be for them a companion on the journey,
a guide at the crossroads,
strength in their weariness,
defense before dangers,
shelter on the way,
shade in the heat,
light in the darkness,
and firmness in their intentions,
that through your guidance they may arrive safely
at the end of their pilgrimage,
and, enriched with grace and virtue,
return safely home,
filled with lasting joy.
— Codex Calixtinus, 12th century
Pilgrimage has always been rooted in prayer and reflection. Before and during your Camino, consider:
A recommended Scripture passage for reflection is the story of The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), where two disciples walk with the risen Christ without at first recognizing Him. Like them, pilgrims discover that Christ often walks beside us in hidden and surprising ways.
— Codex Calixtinus, 12th century
Pilgrimage is an invitation to encounter: with God, with others, and with creation. Every conversation, landscape, and moment of stillness can become a meeting place of grace. St. Francis himself discovered God’s presence in all things—in people, in the poor, and in the beauty of the natural world. Pilgrims are encouraged to take time to meet and converse with people along the way, taking time for silence by limiting use of technology along the way, and taking to the stop to reflect
Pilgrimage calls us to travel light—both physically and spiritually. Simplicity frees the heart for gratitude and trust. As you prepare, consider what to bring, but also what to leave behind: distractions, expectations, or unnecessary burdens. The Camino teaches that what we truly need is often less than we imagine. Traveling light also means having a flexibility to allow for encounters to occur along the way.
To go on pilgrimage is not simply to visit a place to admire its treasures of nature, art, or history. To go on pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where He has revealed Himself, where His grace has shone with particular splendor, and produced rich fruits of conversion and holiness among those who believe.”
