Service Scrapbook – Winter 2026
Albergue de Peregrinos San Nicolás de Flüe | Ponferrada, Spain
September 2025
by Kelli Leydecker | Napa, CA
This 160-bed albergue is a donativo and survives thanks to the generosity of the pilgrims who stay there. It is adorned by a large garden and covered patio area, a beautiful chapel and a well-equipped kitchen. Our team included five hospitaleros, two from the United States, one from Brazil, one from Argentina, and one from Spain. Anywhere from 45 to 75 pilgrims arrived each day, representing between 15 and 18 countries. Watching the pilgrims interact was a highlight, whether they were cooking, sharing a meal, chatting over snacks and beer in the garden, or singing together in the big room after dinner. Volunteering as a hospitalera was an exhausting but rewarding experience that I would do again in a heartbeat.
Albergue de Peregrinos | Caminha, Portugal
October 2025
by Sue Skelly | Laguna Hills, CA
I served at the Albergue de Peregrinos in Caminha, Portugal. Caminha is the last stage on the Camino Portugués Coastal route before pilgrims cross the Minho River into Spain. This is a very international route. I loved meeting pilgrims from every corner of the world. Out of the 270 pilgrims I welcomed, only five carried U.S. passports. I enjoyed having the opportunity to advise them whether to take a ferry boat over to A Guarda, Spain, or stay in Portugal and take the Eco River trail along the Rio Minho to Valença. The albergue sits where the Minho River and the Coura River converge. I was so fortunate to be there during a full moon. This stunning view greeted us through the front door of the albergue.
If you are interested in becoming an Hospitalero, please visit our Hospitalero training page for more info, an FAQ, and our upcoming training sessions.
