The best things about the Camino are the special encounters, and today I had one that stopped me in my tracks. On each leg, I pass through at least two small towns. Each one has its own church at the center of its square. Most of the time the church is closed. Sometimes it's not, and I slip inside to take in the architecture and spend a moment in prayer.
Today was entirely different. As I walked into the Parish Church of Santa María in the little town of Rabé de las Calzadas, I was in for a surprise. To the right sat an old nun at a table. She had a special peace and grace about her. She welcomed me in and asked my nationality. She then hung a Miraculous Medal around my neck and prayed over me. It was deeply warm and moving. "May you be blessed in the path of life. May Our Lady accompany you and guide you in the good ways."
The Miraculous Medal was first revealed to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. It earned its name because of the countless miracles reported by those who wore it. The medal itself is not valuable. The blessings don't come from the medal, they come from Momma Mary's intercession.
I'm not much for jewelry. I've worn my wedding band and that's it for the past 35 years. But I learned about the Miraculous Medal recently and have been wearing one ever since. Since wearing it, I've experienced more blessings and greater protection from sin than ever, and I attribute this grace to Our Lady's intercession, which helps me remember and invoke her. Today, having a second one placed around my neck by a praying nun on the Camino is a story I won't forget.
