Don Pace

This year, 2023, I walked the Camino Maltes for the first time.
The weather was perfect, the route well marked and the company of some 150 other pilgrims most exhilarating and encouraging.
Veteran trekkers mixed with complete newbies, providing support and encouragement, old and young pilgrims chatted about their reasons for doing the Camino and their plans for future walks.
The route meandered through the islands’ country lanes from the ancient city of Rabat and the Old capital of Mdina to one of the oldest villages on the Island, Zejtun, to end in Birgu, the Borgo where the Order of the knights of St John established its first city on their arrival in 1530, also the site of the enigmatic Castello a Maris, now Fort St Angelo.
Historic churches dating from the Medieval era dot the route followed by the first pilgrims, some beautifully restored others in need of TLC.
The walk offered all partecipants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Maltese countryside and its vast history. It also challenged each one physically and mentally as the km fell away and the objective was reached after some 30km.
A cold beer, a silent prayer of thanks and the satisfaction of completing the walk awaited.
Xircammini delivered the goods with excellent organisation and support. The dreams of one man became the achievement of many and the future beckons in the form of more beautiful walks in Sicily, Sardenia then Spain and the Holy Grail of Christian Pilgrimages, Santiago di Compostela.
Well done Xircammini, congratulations to all pilgrims and thank you all for making this happen!