Fr. Vladimir Echalas, a Filipino priest from Legaspi, Albay, recently completed a 779-kilometer pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, dedicating his journey to cancer patients. The pilgrimage, which took 30 days, started in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and ended in Spain, marking the celebration of his 30th year in priesthood.
Fr. Vladimir’s pilgrimage had a deeper purpose beyond personal celebration. He embarked on this journey as part of an advocacy called “Camino vs. Cancer,” which he formed with friends from Legaspi. “Ika-30 taon ko ngayon sa priesthood, kaya naisip ko na ise-celebrate ito sa pamamagitan ng paglakad ng 30 days sa Camino,” Fr. Vladimir shared in a TFC/ABS-CBN News report. He dedicated his efforts to cancer patients in the Diocese of Albay, aiming to raise funds for their treatment.
The funds raised during the pilgrimage will be donated to the Camellian Sisters, who care for cancer patients in the Diocese of Legaspi. “This is for the cancer warriors for patients of the Diocese of Legaspi, the whole province of Albay and we shall be giving the whole funds to be raised to the Camellian sisters who are taking care of the cancer patients in the Diocese of Legaspi,” Fr. Vladimir explained.
Throughout his journey, Fr. Vladimir faced various challenges such as extreme weather conditions, getting lost in forests, and traversing rough, muddy terrains. Despite these difficulties, he continued his walk, driven by his mission to help cancer patients. “Sobrang challenges along the Camino… so umuulan, mainit, maginaw, lahat ‘yun ay kinaya ko dahil para sa akin ang bawat hakbang ay para sa mga cancer patients natin,” he said.
Fr. Vladimir documented his pilgrimage through daily live broadcasts on social media, garnering support and prayers from viewers. Many followers requested prayers for their own illnesses and shared their gratitude for his efforts. One such story is that of Elvie Navarra, a bedridden cancer patient from Legazpi City, who reported experiencing a miraculous recovery attributed to the prayers offered during the pilgrimage.
Before returning to the Philippines, Fr. Vladimir visited Barcelona and co-celebrated a Mass at the crypt of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, marking a poignant end to his journey.