DETROIT — The archdiocese’s Office for Priestly Vocations has raised more than $50,000 so far toward a discernment pilgrimage along the famed Camino de Santiago in northern Spain this summer, said Fr. Tim Birney, the office’s director.

And money isn’t the only thing trip organizers have been able to raise. Interest from potential priestly discerners has also skyrocketed, said Fr. Birney, who added he was forced to start a waiting list after the initial 35 spots booked up.

“Response from the people in the archdiocese has been incredible,” Fr. Birney said, adding that a recent Spanish-themed dinner at St. Ambrose Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, raised more than $6,000 toward the trip. In all, more than 75 individuals, parishes and Catholic school children have contributed, he said. But with the total cost per pilgrim around $2,200, more is needed, he said.

“This generous support from the fundraiser dinner and other donors allows me to offer scholarships to everyone who is seeking to attend the pilgrimage. In other words, many young men will now have the opportunity to better discern their vocation (calling) from the Lord,” Fr. Birney said.

The 35 signed up to trek the Camino includes five clergy members, four seminarians and 26 men discerning a possible priestly vocation. Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon will be among the group.

“I am convinced many vocations to the priesthood will be discovered as we walk along ‘The Way’ to Santiago de Compostela,” Fr. Birney said. “‘Ask and you shall receive’ will always take on new meaning for me and the 35 men who will be travelling with me. At each and every Mass we celebrate, all the donors will be remembered and prayed for by each of the men.”

The Camino is a pilgrimage taken each year by thousands of Christians that crosses the rugged terrain of northern Spain to the site where the apostle St. James is believed to be buried in Santiago de Compostela.

To donate or join the waiting list, contact Fr. Birney at [email protected], (313) 237-5875 or visit www.detroitpriest.com.