Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On a remote road in Spain, Thomas Wichmann exchanged his miraculous medal for a kangaroo pin. Wichmann, 30, was among four seminarians from the Archdiocese of Louisville who embarked on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in May.

The Camino is an ancient trail network leading to the tomb of St. James the Great at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The seminarians chose a 71-mile route starting from Sarria, Spain.

During their five-day journey, Wichmann encountered an Australian man who shared personal stories as they walked through the landscape. "I think it’s just the nature of the Camino — you can kind of open up to people," Wichmann explained. Before parting ways, they exchanged tokens: a kangaroo pin and a miraculous medal.

This pilgrimage concluded their propaedeutic year at St. Meinrad Seminary. Nico Caicedo, 22, noted that walking the Camino reminded them of “our walk towards holy orders and ultimately our heavenly homeland.” He compared priesthood to the Camino, saying it involves moving frequently and comes with challenges but is rewarding.

Walking up to 18 miles daily presented difficulties like blisters and soreness. Ryan Rasmussen, 24, sought strength from "the Lord and Our Lady" during tough moments.

Some seminarians carried specific intentions or physical symbols like rocks during their journey. Peter Bifone carried prayers for his home parish community at St. Edward Church. Caicedo prayed for a woman he met who had lost her son.

Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, each seminarian spent time at St. James' tomb in the cathedral. Rasmussen left behind a wooden cross and rock symbolizing his burdens and intentions during the walk.

Rasmussen expressed newfound appreciation for St. James after feeling supported throughout their journey: “We all made it in one piece.”

The group also appreciated visiting small churches along their route where they could pray when doors were open.

Reflecting on his experience, Wichmann expressed interest in returning to walk the Camino again: “It was the best trip I’ve ever done."