Pilgrims from Ukraine and Taiwan Walk the St. James Way in Lithuania
The St. James Way in Lithuania, part of the world-famous Camino de Santiago network since 2016, continues to attract international pilgrims. This year, groups from Ukraine and Taiwan joined Lithuanian walkers on the Vilnius Route, highlighting the cultural and spiritual connections that unite Europe and beyond.
The pilgrimage was organized by Laima Andrikienė, Member of the European Court of Auditors and founder of the Lithuanian Camino. “This journey is a wonderful example of how cultural routes of the CoE strengthen ties and foster friendship,” – said Alfredas Jomantas, Head of International Relations at the department.
The group included six Ukrainians – creators of the Camino Podolico in Vinnytsia – and ten Taiwanese pilgrims, among them Catholic priests and representatives of Fu Jen Catholic University. They were joined by Lithuanian companions on a section of the Vilnius rout of Camino, which stretches 493 km from northern Lithuania to the Polish border, connecting to the wider European network leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Along the way, the pilgrims visited Vilnius landmarks such as the Gate of Dawn and the Cathedral Basilica, celebrated Mass with Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, and explored sites in Merkinė, Liškiava, Druskininkai, Trakai, and Perloja. The journey also highlighted Lithuania’s unique cultural heritage, including churches rich in national symbolism and art.
Interestingly, Taiwan has its own version of the Camino – Camino Taiwan – which links Catholic shrines across the island. Taiwan’s Catholic community numbers around 300,000 faithfuls.
The pilgrimage was accompanied by the launch of the bilingual book “CAMINO. St. James Way in Lithuania and Its Pilgrims,” published by the Friends of St. James Way Association and distributed to municipalities, churches, and participants.
Pilgrims near the Merkinė Church.Photo by Jūratė Mičiulienė