“To go on a pilgrimage really means to step out of ourselves in order to encounter God where he has revealed himself, where is grace has shone with particular splendor and produced rich fruits of conversion and hones among those who believe.” - Pope Benedict the XVI

My name is Gianna Crawford, and I am a junior nursing student at Ave Maria University. I am hoping to walk the Camino de Santiago this summer and am looking for support to do so!

The Camino de Santiago (or the Way of St. James) has been a pilgrimage that Catholics have walked for over a thousand years. The saints have walked this along with all Catholics from generation to generation. Along with more than forty Ave Maria University students and staff, I long to walk in the footsteps of Catholics before me from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, where the bones of St James (the greater) are buried. I hope to walk through historic Catholic sites such as the town of O’Cebriero, home to a 14th century Eucharistic miracle, and through many other ancient holy sites. The trip will last ten days with Holy Mass said every day. The Camino is a life changing experience that enriches the pilgrim’s faith and brings him into communion with all Catholics throughout the centuries who walked this road before him.

This trip is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am seeking both financial support and to bring others’ prayers and intentions with me to be offered along the Camino. If you are able to offer even a small amount of financial support, it would help me to realize this dream. Most importantly, whether you can or cannot help financially at this time, please join me in prayer during my pilgrimage. Also, whether or not you are able to offer financial support, please send me your prayers and intentions, so that I can carry them with me along the way and offer them at the holy sites with joy. As well, if you have any religious items, such as rosaries or medals, which you would like to be brought on the way and touched to the holy sites, please send them to me.

Thank you so much and I will pray for you as I make my journey,

Gianna