They say that the contours and features of the scallop shell, a symbol of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, represent a converging of people from all over the world, beginning their journeys from a variety of locations, all bound for a common destination. Debby Lee Jagerman
As I took my backpack off, put down my hiking pole, loosened my shoes, and sat down on the ground of the huge outdoor courtyard of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, I took a deep breath of gratitude, wiped away a small tear, and then took a look around. First I looked up. At the Cathedral. The grand Cathedral. Larger than I imagined. Ornate, symbolic, historical. The destination that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have been walking to for over 1,000 years. The place where they pay homage to the shrine of St. James the Great, one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. The location that several weeks earlier I had only seen in pictures, or read about, and where I had had a desire to reach for months before I even arrived in Spain. A place that my feet have taken me on my own journey to get here. And I made it!!
Then I looked around at the people. The many, many, many people around me, all here in the same courtyard as me. I was amazed at how many people there were at this same place as I, and at this same moment. I contemplated about these people that have also made a journey of their own, walking anywhere from 60 to 500 miles or more to reach this destination. As I scanned the courtyard, I wondered about their stories, their reasons for their pilgrimages. Where did they come from? Who were they? People from any country from all over the world might have been there at this same place, at this same moment.
I noticed that there were some people by themselves in that courtyard, who must have walked the journey alone, like me. But really, we were not alone, not in this crowd. There were couples embracing each other with their congratulations, that together they had reached their destination. There were groups of friends, hooting and hollering, cheering and celebrating, their arrival. People were taking pictures of one another, with their faces, and even their feet, in front of the Cathedral. Church groups were reciting prayers of gratefulness for having made the journey safely. Other groups were singing songs of inspiration. Me, I had a big smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.
As I continued my observations, not knowing anyone personally, but my curiosity really wanting to know each of their stories, in some ways I felt like I really knew them all, as I am sure that we all had triumphs along our journey, emotional, spiritual, and physical. I am sure that we all had challenges along the way as well, emotional, spiritual, and physical. I am sure we all had some personal revelations about life. I am sure we all ate some great food, drank some great wine, and laughed and cried, along each of our paths.
I continued to watch my fellow pilgrims as I got up from the ground to go venture to the Oficina del Peregrino, Pilgrim’s Office to get my Compostela, the official certificate of completion saying I had completed at least 60 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. In order to “prove” that you walk, you show them your Credencial, your Pilgrim’s Passport, that you have been getting impressed with sellos, rubber stamps, along the way. You obtain these sellos at hostels, albergues, cathedrals, churches, restaurants, and bars as you walk. At least 2 per day are required for the last 60 miles, but of course if you walk many more miles, you will get many more sellos. I filled up more than two Pilgrim’s Passports (these are just a few pages from each one), and now I was on my way to get my Compostela.
But before I walked my last few feet to the Pilgrim’s Office, I took one more glance around at the Cathedral (that later I would go into and attend a Pilgrim’s Mass), and at the people. Wow! – I thought – All these people, from all over the world, including myself, had some desire, some reason to walk, to make it here. Other people were here yesterday, others will be here tomorrow. But today, here I stand amongst these people. And while we are all from different countries, backgrounds, religions, cultures, languages, we are all here together. It is a small common bond, as part of a larger common destination, that I share with these people, at this place, at this moment. And that feels awesome to be a part of!!
Sweet Travels, and Happy New Year!
Thoughts, Tips, & Translations for Today’s Blog:
Contemplative Thought from the Camino: Awesome, simply awesome!
Packing Tip for the Pilgrimage: They say to pack as light as possible for your pilgrimage. A backpack, when full, weighing no more than 20 pounds. Even less would be better, as you also add water and food as needed. There are plenty of shops along the way to refill those tiny shampoo bottles, or buy new clothes or shoes if needed.
Spanish Translation of the Santiago: Compostela comes from: campo being “field” and stella meaning “star”: The Field of Stars. (Quoted from the book “To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela” by Kevin A. Codd.)
