A pilgrimage from Mission San Rafael Arcángel to Mission Dolores in San Francisco, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and the historic mission trails of California.
Completing the Camino de San Francisco is a profound spiritual and physical accomplishment. Pilgrims who carry a fully stamped Pilgrim Passport may receive a certificate recognizing their journey: a Compostela, as well as Certificate of Distance. These certificates celebrate not only the miles walked but also the intention, prayer, and transformation experienced along the way.
A certificate marks distance traveled, but the true Compostela honors the inner journey—where God’s grace transforms every step taken with devotion.”
The Compostela is a traditional certificate of spiritual pilgrimage rooted in centuries of Camino history. It is awarded to pilgrims who walk the Camino with a spirit of devotion, intention, and prayer. Receiving a Compostela honors your journey as both a physical and spiritual pilgrimage.
The Certificate of Distance records the total distance you have walked along the Camino de San Francisco. This certificate is recognized by the Camino authorities in Spain and may be used to claim up to 30 km credit toward a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago. A certificate of distance for 30km may be obtained for the Via di Francesco (Way of St Francis) in Italy. Only one will be issued per a pilgrim.
Pilgrims should bring pilgrim passport and Certificate of Distance with them to the pilgrim office in Spain or Italy.
All certificates—the Compostela, and Certificate of Distance—can be obtained at the gift shop of Mission Dolores in San Francisco. A fully stamped Pilgrim Passport is required to request any of these certificates.
