Missions are usually associated with places like Africa. However the Augustine sisters have set one up in an albergue next to the church of Santa Maria at Carrion de Los Condes. The sisters act as missionaries on the Camino. They are all such remarkable witnesses of God’s grace and mercy, by their simple presence. in addition to the services offered by albergue, each afternoon there is a special Pilgrim meeting – Camino reunion. Pilgrims introduce themselves, stating their name, their country and (if they wish) their reason for being on the Camino. 

The nuns are also big believers in the words of st. Augustine. Their slogan is Canta y camina (Sing and walk). This meeting is therefore very musical. If you can sing, the nuns will accompany you on the guitar. If you can’t sing the nuns are likely to know a song from your country. A gentleman from Japan once complimented them (after a performance of a Japanese song) that their Japanese is better than his. There is also a communal dinner, where everybody contributes and shares. 

The most memorable event however, is after the pilgrim mass at the church nearby. There is a brief meditation on the nature of God’s light, that is always present and that always shines, even in the darkest night, a light which guides all those who are lost and looking for the right way. The meditation is followed by the pilgrim blessing and a small gift. A gift that doesn’t weigh much, a gift which is unique and which symbolises that light of God. This gift is a small paper star, extremely simple and yet extremely powerful souvenir of this spiritual experience.