Carrying only an eight-pound backpack, John Minardi huffed and puffed with exhaustion hiking in the Pyren-ees Mountains in France.
Minardi, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Magnificat (OLM) in Kinnelon, was tackling his first few days walking on the El Camino de Santiago, a grueling 490-mile spiritual journey through France and Spain. Although he was not athletic or an experienced hiker, he braved rain, burning muscles, and mental exhaustion on his 46-day trek. Minardi, 55, did gain stamina by the end of the Sept. 1 to Oct. 11 trip.
Alone and in the company of fellow travelers, Minardi also exercised his Catholic spirituality walking the French route of the El Camino de Santiago, or “Way of St. James.” He stopped in many Gothic churches, cathedrals, and holy sites. Minardi often went to Mass or prayed silently — unusual for a man with a constantly active mind.
“I never went to so many Masses or spent so much time praying. It strengthened my faith and prayer life,” said Minardi, who comes from a large Italian family. “There’s a saying — ‘You travel the El Camino de Santiago to discover who you were before society changed you.’ I want to spend more time with family like I did growing up.”
Minardi also trekked through the plains of the Meseta, Basque lands, and Celtic Galicia on roads, paths, and trails through cities but mostly countryside. He finished the final few feet in Spain by crawling on his knees to the Romanesque Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where St. James the Apostle is believed to be buried.
“It was emotional, knowing it was over,” said Minardi, who posted daily YouTube videos to keep family and friends updated. “I bonded with people along the way, including Catholics, non-Catholics, and those questioning their beliefs.”
One powerful moment occurred during a stop at the Iron Cross in France. Minardi left a stone he brought — a symbol of leaving his burdens on the journey.
Minardi netted many views of his YouTube videos, including from people from other countries.
“It was great knowing people were praying for me along the way — not only the 15 or 20 walking with me but also the hundreds online with me spiritually,” Minardi said.
Minardi was inspired to attempt the walk after seeing “The Way,” a movie with Martin Sheen about the El Camino de Santiago. Later, he talked to a fellow Knight of Columbus who walked it with his wife.
He arranged time off from work as an IT director and prepared physically by walking and working out. Minardi had support from his wife, Janine, and his children, Elena, 25, and James, 22, who worried about his safety.
The Minardis are active at OLM. Last month, the Paterson Diocese recognized 78 individuals, couples, and families, including the Minardis, with the Vivere Christus Award for their outstanding service to the Church and the world.
“I wanted to challenge myself by walking the El Camino de Santiago. I had a calling to increase my faith for whatever happens later in life. I didn’t want to have any regrets,” Minardi said.
To view YouTube videos of Minardi’s walk on the El Camino de Santiago, visit https://www.youtube.com/@gcminardi
