In this Say Yes to Holiness 1:1 Conversation podcast, Christina speaks with Honorable Rebecca Simmons, Executive Director of El Camino de San Antonio Missions, a new evangelization program of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Texas that encourages pilgrimages to the four eighteenth century Spanish Colonial Mission churches and San Fernando Cathedral located in the archdiocese.
Rebecca and I spoke about her faith journey, and how she desired to be a missionary when she was a child, but pursued a career in law where she served as a district and appellate judge. Rebecca is also a recognized author and speaks on a variety of topics.
Rebecca shared that she developed her interest and love of the missions by leading her sixth-grade religious education groups on pilgrimages to the missions on bicycle. And, then, over the years, the group grew to include over 100 adults and children of the parish. The interest prompted her to become a National Association of Interpreters Certified Interpretive Guide, and she continues to use her certification to accompany pilgrims along the river trail that links the missions and Cathedral.
When I asked about the connection between the Camino in Spain and in San Antonio, she spoke about the great honor and privilege that is available for anyone who makes the Camino in San Antonio can receive credit towards their compostela if they then continue their journey in Spain.
For anyone who makes a pilgrimage discovers the power that comes from making the journey, particularly by learning how to slow down and express gratitude for all of God's gifts. But even if you are unable to walk or bike the Camino, you can still make an "armchair pilgrimage" that can make you a powerful intercessor for others, especially when partnering with the Blessed Mother.
Our conversation was both illuminating and inspiring and I hope that you find it to be the same so as to encourage you to comontinue doing WHATEVER IT TAKES so that together we can tell the Master of Death, "Not Today!"
To learn more about Rebecca and the El Camino de San Antonio Missions go to: https://caminosanantonio.org/el-camino/
