The Three Laymen Turned Out to Be Bishops
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They have already done this route together twice. Their packing list included: a chasuble, alb, stole, zucchetto and pectoral cross. They replaced the priestly vestment with what CatholicNewsAgency.com (11 September) calls "modern pilgrim uniform".
The three usually marched with other pilgrims, who during the evening Mass noted, "Gosh, they're bishops!" Conley told CNA, "It was kind of funny because people thought it was really cool."
In 2018, Conley took an 11-month leave of absence due to anxiety and depression and had metatarsal joint fusions performed on both feet in 2021. He has been friends with Coakley for 50 years. Both played on the same baseball team.
While walking, the three Bishops sometimes listened to music such as Brian Wilson, folk music, Bob Dylan, Weezer and the Avett Brothers.
Conley says that about 80% of the "pilgrims" they encountered were not believers and had virtually no knowledge of Camino's religious background.
Picture: Courtesy of Bishop Conley, Archbishop Coakley, and Bishop Wall, #newsIhfvmjajyu
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