First of all, let me introduce myself: my name is Francesco Calledda, but everyone knows me as Zigheddu. I have always been a walker and a pilgrim, ever since I used to walk from one village to another in the mountains of Barbagia. Today I am 87 years old and in my life I have walked many paths, including those of Santiago and St. Francis, and I have participated in many marathons around the world, starting with the one in New York. I love walking: I do it every day, because while I walk I feel free. With my steps I want to thank the good God who allows me to be a living witness to a message of hope, especially for the many young people with whom I am in contact.
It was an evening in late May 2020, at the height of the pandemic. The sun was still illuminating the gulf of Cagliari when I received a phone call: it was Antonello Menne, a pilgrim I had met some time before during the presentation of one of his books. He lives in Milan. He said:
“As soon as we can, I’d like to walk back to Sardinia and aim for the Basilica of Bonaria-I’d like to walk with you.” I didn’t think twice: I immediately said yes.
The following August-he was arriving from Corsica-we met at the Olbia airport exit and from there we started walking, following a route that Antonello had carefully studied. From village to village we met other pilgrims who decided to join us. After the Orotelli stage we continued alone: it was an explosion of emotions. Many people would stop us to ask our destination. When we answered that we were headed to Bonaria, their eyes lit up – and ours too, actually.
It was in Fordongianus that we really understood that Sa Mère Manna-as the Virgin of Bonaria is called here in Sardinia-was calling us and accompanying us to our final destination.
Since that August, for four years, with Antonello and other pilgrims and pilgrimesses I have retraced the Camino de Bonaria. Last September I decided to tackle it solo: it was a riot of emotions. I recommend it to everyone, because of the extraordinary beauty of the landscapes and the great hospitality in the homes of the volunteers of the Cammino di Bonaria Association. It is truly a big family.
I am happy to have contributed to the birth of this Way, which I am sure will leave a deep mark in the hearts of many pilgrims.
Happy walking.
Francis Calledda
