USD-Magazine-Spring-2025

Cruceiros Camino de Santiago guide and local resident Irene Ruzo poses for photos alongside USD pilgrims Lilly Nieto and Noelle Colletta ’05 (MSN) as they come across one of

many cruceiros , or granite crosses, along the Camino. Ruzo explained that these were the original markers for those headed to Santiago de Compostela, marking the way for pilgrims in the early days, and they were also symbols of spiritual guidance and faith throughout the journey. Now, the way to Santiago is also marked by shells and yellow arrows spread throughout the forests, small villages and towns.

The Graduates Scott Prunty ’24 and Chase Lindgren have been friends for as long as they can remember. They are Catholic school educated, and faith has always played an essential role in their lives and their friendships. In 2024, when Scotty — as his Camino friends refer to him — graduated from USD, his father gave him a trip to the Camino and he could think of no better person than Chase to share the journey. The pair had watched the movie The Way when they were children and vowed to one day travel to Santiago de Compostela. Both are wise beyond their years, with a zest for life and connection. The duo quickly stole the hearts of all who were lucky enough to walk alongside the college grads.

A Blessed Union Chava Mercado ’06 and wife Sammy know all too well what lifelong commitment is. The couple had been dating for years, and soon after tying the knot, they decided to join the pilgrimage with USD. The trip has become a honeymoon of sorts, full of joys, blessings and life-altering experiences. The moment they finally arrived in Santiago de Compostela, Father Greg McGivern, along with the Traveling Toreros, began an impromptu blessing for the newlyweds, who were brought to tears by the gesture taking place under the gaze of hundreds of pilgrims just outside the cathedral.

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