The “Miracle” of Agés
The “Miracle” of Agés
by Jim Larocco | Alexandria, VA
It was our first Camino, and like many new peregrinos walking unsupported and seemingly carefree, we faced a variety of challenges. Our most serious was when I noticed that I was limping on one side of my body. We took a break in San Juan de Ortega, but the break seemed to make the limping even more pronounced. Just before the village of Agés, I collapsed. A young man not far behind me picked up my backpack and raced ahead with my wife to the village. I crawled close to the entrance to the village and was met by locals and other peregrinos, carrying me to the albergue as many looked on.
I crumpled up on the lower bunk and slept for perhaps an hour. When I awoke, I struggled to get to the shower. It felt sooo good. I went back to the bunk and rested for another hour.
When I woke up, I told my wife that I was starving; let’s go eat. To her surprise, I was able to stand up and walk. As we strolled to a café, I could see villagers making the sign of the cross and saying, “Look, the cripple walks. Our Lady be praised. It’s a miracle!”
When we reached the café and sat down, four young Aussie ladies sat with us and started peppering me with questions. In the end, they consulted, smiled, and said they knew my problem. It was not a stroke that left my one side collapsed. It was an unevenly packed backpack. I was so grateful for this news. I thought my first Camino had come to an end. After a few days’ rest in Burgos, we continued on, now with an evenly packed backpack.
I often wondered if my “miracle” became folklore. We visited Agés this year, 11 years later, and alas no shrine had been constructed. I nonetheless will always be grateful to those who helped me get to the albergue and to the Aussie Camino angels who gave me the knowledge, courage, and hope to carry on.
