One more year, the traditional Javieradas, a pilgrimage organized by the Archbishopric of Pamplona, has taken place, bringing together thousands of people who walk to the castle where St. Francis Xavier was born. The first one was held on the weekend of March 3, in which 8150 pilgrims participated, and the second one last weekend, with an influx of 15,880 people, according to data , according to the organization's official website.

Beatriz Albéniz (ISSA '21), Carmen Roig (ISSA '21), María Zuza (ISSA '21) and Javier Apaolaza (ISSA '19), students of Degree in Management Assistant, Alicia Otano and Javier Morrás, professors of ISSA-School of Management Assistants and Cristhian Mestre, Director of development of School, put on their boots and joined the 24,000 pilgrims who walked to Javier. Despite the fatigue and inclement weather, it was a day in which they enjoyed their friends, laughter and anecdotes, nature and the company of all the people who shared the same goal: to reach the esplanade where the castle stands.

Once in Javier, and after regaining strength, the pilgrims participated in a Eucharist presided over by Archbishop Francisco Pérez, Archbishop of Pamplona. Although tired, at the end of the workshop they returned to their homes looking forward to the next Javierada.

Beatriz Albéniz1st grade student. Participates in the Javieradas since the age of 13

"This is the seventh time I have done the Javierada. My former high school, Jesuitas, offers this activity to all the grades, from 1st ESO to 2nd grade, and the university monitors of the Arrupe leisure time also join the plan. high school diplomaWe also join the plan, and the university monitors of the Arrupe leisure time group . I never miss it, because it has been a tradition since we were 13 years old. Even if our legs hurt, we don't feel our feet or we think we can't make it, there are always people who cheer us on and make the 56 km that separate Pamplona from Castillo de Javier much more enjoyable and fun. The route is the same every year, but no two Javieradas are the same, so I would encourage the students to participate. Reaching the castle is a huge satisfaction staff ".

Javier Morrásprofessor. In 40 years, not a single Javierada

"I made the Javierada on the weekend of March 3, with my son and the companions of my former high school, Santa María La Real (Maristas). This year, we celebrated our 40th pilgrimage - we started participating when we were 10 years old and since then we have never missed a pilgrimage, always walking - so I ordered a commemorative scarf that presided over the altar of Javier during the Eucharist. It was really touching. Forty years after our first Javierada, we have some very marked milestones: the recitation of the Rosary after the Venta de Judas (one might almost think that it was in reparation, but it is a coincidence!), the section of popular songs (preferably Mexican and Jotas) going down Loiti... These are 11 hours of conviviality in which we catch up on very personal matters, without outside noise or interruptions. They also serve to remember family members and companions from high school who once did it with us and who have passed away. It is a renewed experience every year: human and of faith, devotion and gratitude to the Saint".

Alice Otanoa teacher. A New Yorker with a great devotion to St. Francis Xavier

"I haven't missed the Javierada for ten years. Although I have always made it with my husband, this year some of our children have also joined us. In my family there has always been a lot of devotion to St. Francis Xavier. What I like most is to see so many people walking to the castle where he was born: the atmosphere is very good and the pilgrims are very varied, from families to groups of friends of all ages and from many areas, not only from Navarra. I definitely think that anyone who works or studies at the University of Navarra should have this experience at least once in their life".

Carmen Roiga 1st grade student. She has done the Javierada from San Isidro del Pinar (Navarra, Spain)

"I have been participating in the Javierada for two years. This year, I did the one on the weekend of March 3 with some people from my town, Cabanillas (Navarra). Although we usually leave on Friday at dawn, to cross the Bardenas Reales and arrive at the Saturday afternoon mass, I joined the group the early hours of Saturday morning, in San Isidro del Pinar. It is a very nice social and religious activity: besides exercising, you have a great time, because there is a very good atmosphere. But the best thing about the Javieradas is the bond you create with the people you go with and the special atmosphere that is generated in the castle of Javier during that weekend. Without any doubt, I would recommend everyone to do it".

Maria Zuza1st grade student. Regular pilgrim to the Javieradas since I was a child

"I have made the Javierada several times, since I was a child. For me it has become a custom not to be missed. Although until now I had participated accompanied by my family and friends, this year I did it with the group scout Lykos de Noáin. Despite the adverse weather conditions, many monitors, parents and children decided to take the road to Javier. I was encouraged to participate with them because I wanted to know a new route. What I liked most about this year's experience is the joy with which the group faced the most difficult stretches: some mountain paths were practically flooded by the rain, but we took the challenge with humor. In addition, I was happy to spend time disconnected from technology and to enjoy the company of my friends. In the Javierada there is an atmosphere of companionship all the way and it is a very good opportunity to get to know the wonderful landscape of Navarra. Without a doubt, I think it is an experience that students should not miss".

Cristhian Mestre, Director from development. A Valencian in his first Javierada

"This was the first time I have participated in the Javierada and I have made my debut with two of my children, the "older" ones, 8 and 7 years old. We took a bus from the University that took us to Sangüesa, from where we walked more than 8 kilometers. Now that the children are getting older, it is a very good plan to do with other children, families and friends. St. Francis Xavier is a very important saint for Navarra and for the world, and this pilgrimage imprints character. It has been very enriching to be able to go on pilgrimage with my two older children: a couple of hours of walking with the children and seeing their effort, especially with the inclement weather, is very rewarding. Arriving at Javier, seeing the castle, the image of the Saint, so many people... is a great financial aid to grow in faith. That is why, without a doubt, I would encourage other employees and students to do it. I don't think I've ever walked in the rain for so long!

Javier Apaolazastudent of 3rd grade. After many years of trying to participate, this year she has finally made the Javierada

"After trying it in previous years, this Javierada I managed to join a friend from the older high school who had been encouraged to do it with some companions from degree program. I did not know Javier, although I had heard very good things about the experience. Besides, pilgrimages were attractive to me, especially if it is to the town that gives its name to your name. So for me it was visit was a must. The best thing I saw was the atmosphere, no doubt. Even with mud up to the eyebrows and without stopping raining, as has happened this year, you meet many people and have conversations of the most varied and pleasant. The pity is that in the end you can't see the castle and its surroundings calmly, but that gives you a good excuse and an opportunity to return. I would definitely recommend the experience.