Mystery surrounds disappearance of American woman on ancient Catholic pilgrimage in Spain

Denise Thiem remains missing in Spain during her Catholic Pilgrimage

Denise Thiem, an American woman who quit her job to go around the world, disappeared while in a Catholic Pilgrimage in Astorga, Spain and has been missing for more than three months  Thiem's family is continuously searching for answers from the Spanish authorities as well as the US Embassy in Spain.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - Denise Thiem's family tries desperately to locate their sister, who has been missing for more than three months. Thiem's family expressed their disappointment after Spanish authorities and the US Embassy in Spain failed to provide the family with any possible whereabouts of Denise.

Denise Thiem was last seen on the morning of April 5 while in an ancient Catholic pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago. The soul-searching expedition for the American turned into a living nightmare for her family.

According to Thiem's brother, Cedric, his sister was last seen by an Italian man who took her to breakfast after attending a mass in Astorga. "After Mass, she went on her way and he went on his way," Cedric told Fox News.

Denise's family, who arrived in Spain April 20 to begin searching, reached out on social media and created a Facebook account devoted to Denise's search. A website created by the family has managed to raise $19,000 and will be used as funds for Denise's continuous search.

Cedric believes there is foul play involved in the mysterious disappearance of his sister. The frustrations of the family escalated as the US Embassy in Spain and Spanish authorities continuously fail to provide information about Denise.

Cedric claims his sister is savvy traveler and "knew her limits" when it came to hiking.

The 41-year-old woman had prior experience in traveling across Asia before her trip to Spain. As they interviewed locals and search around the Astorga area, Cedric reached the conclusion that his sister was "overcome physically" while on trail.

"I really feel that she got into a bad situation," Cedric shared. His sister did not have any valuables with her but a Kindle and a backpack filled with clothes, food and water.

"The welfare of U.S. citizens is one of the Department's highest priorities," John Taylor, spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs said. "In cases where U.S. citizens are confirmed missing, the U.S. embassy supports local authorities in their search efforts, and provides all appropriate consular assistance. We have no further information to share due to privacy considerations."

"I guess even a Catholic pilgrimage like this is going to attract the wrong people," Cedric explained. "It gives you a false sense of security." He also claims that he received several disturbing emails telling him about bad experiences from pilgrims while hiking.

A concrete report on the possible reason behind Denise Thiem's disappearance remains unavailable for her family.

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