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Saint Bona Of Pisa and the El Camino

For those of you who do not follow Saints or know of many, I ‘d like to introduce one in particular because of my walk along the El Camino in 2004.  I am sure it has changed a lot since then, but some things stay the same, (they just should not change).  What are they?  I will tell you after you read a little of this Saint.

Bona was born in 1156 in Pisa, Italy.  At a young age, she was devoted to deep prayer, but she also experienced visions, and what makes this personal for me, is that she had them especially with Saint James the Greater.  The Saint that walked the El Camino, as I did, but obviously, not with what is present today.

This Saint Bona made many pilgrimages to Jerusalem, and her father was imprisoned by pirates, as she was too. Fast forward, she was freed and began to plan her next trip to the Shrine of her beloved, Saint James, Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain.

Bona led pilgrims on the thousand-mile-journey from Pisa to Santiago de Compostela, attending always to the need of the pilgrims.  Bona died after becoming ill in 1207.

When I walked the El Camino, it was a hardship for me in many ways, of which I will eventually write about, but the one thing that never changed was the spiritual strength I received while journeying alone for 5 days, separated from my group, staying in Albergue’s (not the choice of many but do so due to lack of money and they want to experience the true pilgrimage itself;  which many prefer the Hostels, for simplicity and comfort.) I would absolutely consider this should I travel again on a different route).

What should not change?  The experience of the soul and the reason one does the “Way”. Landscape, Culture, and the relationships you may establish along the way.  I don’t know one person who has not had a renewed spirit after their journey.

So, for those that may be planning the El Camino in the future, look up this Saint and carry her along the way.  Buen Camino!!!

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Lynn Forrester-Pitocco
Lynn Forrester-Pitocco
LYNN is Retired from Law Enforcement as a Police Officer, with a background in nursing and previously a member of the Search and Rescue Team with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, A retired member of the Orange Police Department, she became the first female SWAT member on an elite team while becoming a member of the Olympic Shooting Team during the early years on the department. A mother and a grandmother, a devout Catholic who currently resides in Houston, Texas. Her hobbies include writing, painting, and a contemplative prayer life. She is in love with her faith, but the love she carries for her two grown children and grandchildren who rest in her heart surpasses everything except her faith in God. Since retirement, Lynn has done private investigation, worked as a gang counselor with middle schools, A member of Bl. Mother Teresa’s Order called the (Lay Missionaries of Charity), she is also a pro-life advocate, often called upon to give testimony and speak to youth groups, as well as adult forums. She has published a children’s book entitled “The Children’s Garden” and is currently working on two additional children’s books. She is currently working on the major one focused on her experience in Law Enforcement entitled “Heels and a Badge”. (copyright). Her paintings and sketches, writings, can be viewed on her Pinterest boards (click on the Pinterest ICON below). Her dream is to one-day write a movie for Hallmark. Dreams do come true … See Lynn’s entire collection of thought-provoking Articles by clicking on her byline. Lynn is a contributing author to the inspiring book Chaos to Clarity: Sacred Stories of Transformational Change.

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