r/ViaFrancigena • u/elalavie • Oct 22 '25
Doing the pilgrimage while jewish?
So, hey! My name is Ela, I'm Jewish, but also very interested in Catholicism. That's one of the reasons I want to do the Via Francigena:) Obviously, I assume that just hiking the trail would be totally fine, but would staying at pilgrim accommodations, having a Credential & all that be okay? I genuinely want to have the full experience and think it would be meaningful, but I don't want to be disrespectful or use benefits intended for other people
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u/Syncropatrick Oct 22 '25
I did one week of it in Tuscany in 2022. As a lapsed Church of England Christian there was some interest from the Catholic nuns and monks along the way, though this was curiosity only. We were welcomed everywhere.
On the other hand my brother got a sharp look from a nun when he said his only child was enough. 😆
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u/Pharisaeus Oct 22 '25
VF is similar to Camino de Santiago in this regard -> no one really cares and no one will ever question you about that. However VF is different from Camino in one thing - there are actually very few albergues or any infrastructure for pilgrims, especially outside of Italy.
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u/MonyMony Oct 23 '25
Hi Ela. If you want to do the pilgrimage then you should do it. I walked 600 miles of the Camino (North Route) in 2023 and in August 2025 I just finished about 600 miles from London to Besancon, France on the VF. Two very different experiences. However in both cases I only discussed my spirituality once or twice. Those conversations about your religion are very rare these days, in my experience.
I'm not a practicing Catholic. If someone asks I tell them I follow the teachings of Christ, but I don't have strong faith about him being the son of God or his miracles. I care most about his teachings. I may be closer to being Jewish. This is more info than you asked, but I used that explanation a couple times during my walks if someone pushed me to understand my spirituality. If someone wants to talk about their spiritual journey, then I'll listen and ask questions.
I care more about the history of the pilgrimages, the athletic aspect of hiking, the cultural intrigue of the places I'm walking and meeting the people along the way. If you are walking on either of these pilgrimage trails, I'm sure you will be accepted if you are polite.
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u/thtamthrfckr Oct 22 '25
My boy and I are atheist and did the Camino, it was more of a bonding journey for us but it can be whatever you want it to be regardless of how it began. Still liked seeing all the old churches, meeting the people, eating the food and walking in the woods and cities. Have fun
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u/docgkeith Oct 23 '25
I’m someone who is much more spiritual than religious and have come across absolutely zero issues with my feelings irt that. The big thing is that you walk for yourself and what’s in your heart. If you feel the VF calling, then you should absolutely do it!
It’s different for a variety of reasons from the Spanish and Portuguese routes, but just as rewarding. You will be treated to some amazing scenery and towns that will fill your soul and doesn’t necessarily require a religious POV.
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u/lemon_aided Oct 24 '25
I walked the Primitivo with a Jewish guy a few months ago. I’m fairly atheist. We had a blast visiting churches, chatting with priests, even attended a couple of services. No one pushes religion on you. Just participate in whatever way you feel comfortable; people are very respectful. For many the Camino is a cultural experience and exploring Catholicism, whether historical or spiritual, can be just another aspect of it. Have fun!
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u/SunshineIn2021 Oct 22 '25
Ela, do your pilgrimage. Get your credential, stay in albergues and enjoy it. If or when you get to Santiago get your compostela. Your journey is your own and it can be as spiritual as you want.