Jesuit Community
“Camino Claver” is an annual pilgrimage experience led by the Ignatian Youth Network of the Jesuits in Colombia. It has been designed as an activity of spiritual growth and Ignatian formation for young people between 16 and 30 years old. In a historical context of violence and conflicts, “Camino Claver” is also a strong political sign: uniting a group of young people from all regions and “taking” the country roads for hours, filling the hotels and hostels, being a testimony of a youth that wants to build in hope a better and more meaningful future. It is a strong sign of community and faith in the midst of the wounds left by the conflict.
During 2019, I participated in the “Camino Claver” as Spirituality Coordinator of the Network and, therefore, I was involved with a great team in the preparation of that year’s version that took place in the region of Antioquia. We went on pilgrimage with more than 70 people (young people and team) through the roads between La Unión, El Carmen de Viboral, Marinilla, El Santuario, Granada and finally Guatapé where we ended our journey in the Benedictine Monastery “La Epifanía” in the rural area of this last place. It was a very profound experience. We could contemplate the magnificence of nature and its wonderful landscapes in this region. Most importantly, we were able to live a deep spiritual experience based on the call to appreciate and care for our “common home”.