Monserrat to Manresa

 Last night before bed, we got to visit and pray with the Black Madonna inside the Basilica at Monserrat. We then did the Stations of the Cross from Mary’s perspective before ending our day around 11.

This morning, we set out from Monserrat at 8:45am and didn’t arrive in Manresa until nearly 6pm covering somewhere between 16-17 miles of, what was at times, very challenging terrain. It took us several hours just to get away from Monserrat, almost all downhill and at least half very slow going due to the condition of the trails and the age of the pilgrims 😀. 

We then set out towards Manresa on what was mostly rolling hills, stopping for lunch and much needed water replenishment. The day, which started out temperate, was quickly warming up when we were down off the mountain. Lunch was at the Bar Monserrat which felt like the only place we could have stopped on our way.

The trip to Manresa after lunch could best be described as hot, dusty, and dry. There were periods of flat travel offset by some significant ups and downs. The team was slowing down, but it was necessary given the temperatures,mother trail conditions and the frequent changes in elevation.

Finally, we made our way to the Pont Vell bridge and crossed over into Manresa. One more set of uphill climbs and the pilgrims were ready to enter the Casa de Espiritialidad SJ - La Cova, our home for the next 2 nights. Since this was the end of the pilgrimage portion of the trip (tomorrow we’ll explore Manresa), we waited and walked up the steps into the building together signing the Regis Anthem. A great end to an exhausting day. We’ll meet shortly for a prayer session before dinner and much needed rest.

Peace

Fred