The Pilgrims Arrive!

We arrived at our destination! As with the millions before us, the St. Mark Pilgrims arrived at the shrine of St. James. Today's walk was 12 km, a virtual stroll by now. It rained on and off for most of the walk. We walked the first 7 km and gathered together at Monte Gozo, Mount Joy, for the last 5 km into Santiago. Over this last hour we got wet a lot, but as we got close to the end, the skies started to clear.

At 11:10 am, we arrived at the 0 km stone. It was almost hard to believe. We didn't spend much time looking around yet since we went to get seats for the pilgrim Mass at 12:00. The Cathedral was packed. Wall to wall, end to end, the place was filled with pilgrims who gathered, as they do each day, for this event. The two highlights were hearing the name of our group read out and the burning of the Botofumeria, the huge incense burner. This is truly an event unlike anything you have ever seen. You have to see the video we bring home. It looked like the thing was going to hit the ceiling (and it's a really high ceiling!). It takes six men to swing it. We all agree that we need one at St. Mark!!!

After Mass, it was off to the Pilgrim's office to show our pilgrim passport and collect our official pilgrim certificate. Everyone is entered and registered. We even got a certificate for the parish as the Pilgrims of St. Mark. Then it was off for a few picture moments (the skies had cleared for a beautiful day) and then lunch.

After lunch, it was back into the Cathedral first to embrace the statue of St. James over the altar and kiss his head, as millions before us have done, then it was down into the crypt below the altar to see the silver box with the bones of St. James. The stairs are worn down from the countless people who have trod them. One pilgrimage is now over, and the one that leads us back home is set to begin.

Peace to you all from the St. Mark Pilgrims