July 2, 2026, marked my 60th year as a Sister of St. Joseph. Reflecting on the significance of this time, the many blessings and graces, the challenges, rich experiences, the ups and downs of ordinary life, I wanted to experience a different kind of retreat. A friend told me about Camino Nova Scotia. Once I Googled the site, I knew this was exactly what I had on my heart to do. The pilgrimage would be an opportunity for personal growth, and spiritual nourishment, as well as a physical challenge. For me it would involve a willingness to let go of my need for control and surrender to the unfolding of each new day.
Camino Nova Scotia is sponsored by the Atlantic School of Theology. Dr. Rob Fennell, of the Atlantic School of Theology was aware that many people he knew would have loved to walk the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but finances, employment, and family responsibilities were often real barriers. Thus, Camino Nova Scotia was born, using trails in beautiful Nova Scotia. After exploring former rail tracks that were now walking trails in the province, four trails were chosen as suitable for a pilgrimage experience.