Santiago de Compostela

May 9-10-11, 2024

We walked into Santiago today, about 5:30pm. 16 miles from Padron, we taxied the middle six miles. My hamstring wouldn’t put up with walking the entire way. I am grateful for the rest days that allowed me to continue this journey.

It is heartening to see all these pilgrims here. Yes, the Camino is getting busier. Some see it as disappointing. I think it’s a good thing. People desiring to walk this far, to be alone with their thoughts, to press on even when it becomes very uncomfortable. And it does…for everyone. To meet people whose lives may not look like theirs at all, other than this common goal.

I didn’t expect it to be so emotional. I’ve been here before. But it is. The gentleman in the Pilgrim’s office who stamped my credential asked if I was going to wait another ten years before coming back. No. God willing, I will be back here again. Hopefully before too long.

A Camino is a personal, independent journey. Even if you go with someone else, it’s not easy to always stay together, keeping the same pace. Everyone has their own rhythm.

These two saints, Judy and Merideth, stayed with the slow pace of my compromised hamstring. They shortened their days, taking taxis with me when I needed it. None of us wanted to miss out on the shared experiences (and miracles, big and small) nor the deep conversations. This was truly “Our Camino.”

This morning, the 11th, I attended the Pilgrim’s Mass in the magnificent cathedral. They only have the swinging of the botafumeiro on certain holidays now so we didn’t get to witness that. It is a sight to see if you ever get a chance. The mass was in Spanish although it still gives such peace just to be there. I love communion and Catholic tradition asks that you not take communion unless you are Catholic. I respect their tradition and instead go forward for a blessing which touches me. Afterwards there was another mass in a small chapel, spoken in English. I was moved by this hymn we sang together.