Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church

06/12/2026

06/11/2026

Registration continues for Rainforest Falls VBS!!

06/06/2026

Father Hank update:

“Wow, what a beautiful Mass. Spent about an hour before Mass in the cathedral praying. Like every church, even Nativity, people were talking loudly and they had to keep reminding people to be quiet. Shhhh, silencio . People forget they're in church and not a hall. Was able to concelebrate Mass. They had the botafumeiro, for incense at the end of Mass. Each priest got to scoop the incense into the botafumeiro and they began to swing it. WOW.

There was a priest from Korea who concelebrated and a priest and two deacons from the Biloxi diocese. They didn't do the Camino but we're on another pilgrimage.

I also met a German priest this morning in another church who is playing guitar at the end of Mass. He also concelebrated at the cathedral

How powerful the whole experience was.

I offered Mass for the faithful of Nativity.​“

06/05/2026

Father Hank update:

“Well, the rain stopped and it warmed up. I didn't go out early because it was cold and wet and I did not want to walk in sandals. Got my shoes washed and my other clothes. And went to the cathedral. It's overwhelming. Went inside, prayed, saw the tomb of St James the apostle, and prayed quickly at the tomb. I did a quick prayer for the parish before the tomb. I lit two candles, one for the parish and one for those who have given to Catholic Sharing Appeal.
And then went to eat and went to buy a t-shirt with long sleeves. It's to be in the 60s tomorrow again.

Saw the nuns in the cathedral who control the sacristy and talked with them about concelebrating Mass tomorrow. They told me what to do.

I walked about and found the secret window of a Benedictine monastery where the nuns bake and sell cookies. They are excellent.

I would like to thank Luna for cheering me on as well.

Prayers for you continue.”

06/03/2026

I made it thanks be to God and for all your prayers. Outside of Santiago there is the Hill of Joy it doesn't look to the city of Santiago. There is that joy that embraces you because you know you are near. As I approached Santiago, I began to walk faster and faster. I was just outside of the cathedral when I heard the bagpipe. I knew I was near. As I entered the square, I was overcome with emotions. I immediately thanked God that I arrived safely, along with the Blessed Mother and Saint James.

I found an alburgue with the name minor seminary, where I will stay for a few days.

I was going to go to Mass tonight, but it started to rain and I've run out of clean clothes. I will be there tomorrow at cathedral for Mass. I will offer it for the parish.

The walk today I offered for the priests of Nativity.

06/02/2026

Another wonderful update from Fr. Hank:

"As someone told me after my fall, "The true Camino experience: conquer a mountain, then get taken out by a pebble." 😄

Yep, that was yesterday, but I survived.

It was a long but prayerful day. I visited several churches along the way and was able to go inside, pray, and rest for a bit. I am not the only one hurting out here—it seems like everyone is limping, sore, or nursing some kind of ache.

I hand-washed some laundry today. You never really get the clothes completely clean, but at least one layer of dirt comes off!

My ankles are holding up well, and my wrist is still a little sore from the fall, but I will survive.

There was no church in the village where I was staying, so unfortunately no Mass today. 😢 I spent extra time in prayer instead.

Throughout the day, I offered my walk for the youth of Nativity and for the success of Vacation Bible School. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. They mean more than you know."

05/31/2026

Father Hank update:

“God knows how to make us humble.

Had a beautiful Mass at St Nicholas parish in Portomarin. The pastor allowed me to give the pilgrim blessing in English.

Again, I splurged on a private room.

Nice cool morning to begin a climb up a steep hill. I was so proud that I made it up the hill with very little effort. Two years ago, it nearly killed me.

As I am on a flat surface, I trip and fall. Thank God for my backpack which cushioned some of it. Couldn't believe it. As I try to get up, I was having trouble and some other pilgrims stopped to help me. I was embarrassed that I had fallen. They checked me over. Slightly sprained my wrist and my pride. As I continued to walk, I was thinking, why me, and then I begin thinking it's not a big deal. Pride, the king of the deadly sins. Fifteen years ago, this week I was diagnosed with cancer. That's when I learned to trust in God's will. That's when I learned to offer things up, that God is in control and not me. Pride goes out the window. There are those who are worse off, and I am worried about embracement. My prayer the rest of the way was, let me be humble.

I am now in an albergue in Palais de Rei. Tomorrow will be a 12 to 13 mile day.

I continue to pray for you all and offer it all up.”

05/31/2026

Congratulations Nativity of Our Lord senior Allen Bridgers on being awarded scholarship!! Great job !!

Local online newspaper for North Escambia County Florida, Pensacola, Walnut Hill, Bratt, McDavid, Molino, Century, Cantonment, Atmore, Flomaton, News

05/31/2026

Father Hank update :

“Great day today. Overcast and foggy, so it was a cool day to walk.
It was much better overall. I did about 13+ miles and am in Portomarin. Ankle did ok. Taking a few days off helped. Splurged on a private room for the night instead of the eight to a room;at least there were no snorers.

The countryside is beautiful. Walking through the country doesn't mean there is no traffic jams. It was like I hit Nine Mile road at rush hour . Had to stop twice for the cows. Lil old lady yells at me in Spanish to stop as she bought her cows to the field. Then later, a man was leading his out. Had to be mindful of the hazardous waste left behind. Yeah, I still managed to step in it anyway.

Will eat and attend Mass tonight and come back to sleep and prepare for tomorrow.

Mass tonight will be offered for the faithful of Nativity and the walk was offered up for those who have given to CSA.”

Pics
Me at the 100K mark
The cows and the traffic jams
Lady who yelled at me to stop
Country side

05/30/2026

Good evening everyone, here is the latest Fr. Hank update!

“Doing much better after a few days of rest and some good meals. I have definitely lost weight, that’s for sure. My ankle is much better, and I was able to walk about five miles today without any problems. I am staying in an albergue in Barbadelo, and tomorrow I am off to Portomarín. Thank you for the prayers — they have truly helped my ankle.

I continue praying for you as well, and thank you again for your prayers.

The countryside here is just amazing.

There is no church or chapel in this town, so I could not celebrate Mass today. Tomorrow, however, the town where I will be staying does have Mass.

The first picture is where I’m staying.
The second is my ankle and the brace.
Another is halfway up the climb in Sarria.
The last two are of the countryside.

And the final picture of the wine is simply “cheers!”