In a world where challenges loom large and battles are fought on multiple fronts, Father Vlad’s journey emerges as a testament to resilience and commitment. With each sunrise, he sets forth on a journey unlike any other, where courage knows no bounds and faith lights the way.
Vladimir Echalas, a 59-year-old Filipino priest from Legazpi City, now finds himself on the cobblestone paths of Spain, indulging in the sacred pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
Since the start of April, Father Vlad has been walking an average of 20–25 kilometers daily (from France to Spain), undeterred by any obstacles. His pilgrimage yet extends beyond personal fulfillment; it resonates with a deeper purpose: to raise awareness and support for cancer patients in Albay.
“Every step of my Camino is a fight for cancer. Every step is like an intercessory prayer, pleading with God for those who are sick. I decided to make this walk an advocacy to raise awareness, especially against cancer and other mental issues,” Fr. Vlad said.
For him, the Camino walk is a sacred daily journey. From the dawn ritual of packing his backpack to trekking under the blazing sun, every step is infused with prayers, reflection, and the aspirations of those he represents.
Spending four to five hours on the trail each day has become a cherished routine, one he eagerly repeats day after day until the month of April draws to a close.
Setting out solo on the Camino in Spain, with no Filipino companion nor prior experience at all, Fr. Vlad embraces the solitude of the foreign land, finding solace in the camaraderie of strangers and the tranquility of nature.
The pilgrimage, though undertaken alone, becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery, where every moment is filled with the richness of human connection and the beauty of divine presence.
Though it may seem arduous to some, for Fr. Vlad, the Camino is a divine mission and an opportunity to rally for a noble cause. Fr. Vlad’s pilgrimage in Spain ignited the formation of the Camino Team in Albay, in which this dedicated group now spearheads the Camino vs. Cancer advocacy, extending support by raising funds for cancer warriors across the Albay region.
The Camino knows no boundaries of age, religion, nationality, or gender. It welcomes all who possess the earnest heart and unwavering perseverance to undertake the journey with pure intentions.
As Fr. Vlad walks each day, carrying his advocacy to benefit others, his faith in his calling and in the goodness of humanity deepens. With each step, he finds renewed gratitude for life’s blessings, guided by his steadfast determination and compassionate spirit.
When helping those in need, the question arises: how far are we willing to go? Let us not be confined by limitations but instead extend our efforts beyond boundaries. May our prayers, though silent, be matched with proactive steps, mirroring the inspiring dedication of individuals like Fr. Vlad’s deed. | Melojane Guiriña
Photos: Fr. Vlad Echalas