The Family Room (The Quest)
Fr. Greg Markey, Head Chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College
The Camino de Santiago, or “Way of St. James,” is an extensive network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at his tomb in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Begun in the year 814, original pilgrims started from their homes, creating this network of pathways to Santiago. Making his journey in gratitude for ten years as a priest, Fr. Greg Markey deliberately wore his collar to spark conversation as he walked 500 miles from France to Santiago. Meeting fellow pilgrims, Father discovered most were at a crossroads in life. Often compelling, he began writing stories and sending them back to his parishioners from local internet cafés along the route.
Once home, he discovered his stories had been shared far and wide. Eventually a publisher convinced him to write a book of the stories along with lessons he learned on the Camino. Now in its second printing, Father Markey believes Discovering the Camino de Santiago has been popular because it’s the story of everyday people hearing God speak to them through a priest.
The youngest of 11 children from a close-knit Catholic family, Father Markey graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1991 with a degree in Political Science and two minors: one in Philosophy and one in Math. He began his seminary training at St. John Fischer for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and then graduated from Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, with a Masters in Divinity. Celebrating his 25th anniversary in 2024, he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bridgeport in 1999. Father Markey is currently the Head Chaplain at Thomas Aquinas College in Northfield, Massachusetts.
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