Down the way from Vigo Spain you reach the historic city of A Coruna Spain known for its Roman era lighthouse and charming city. We however had another city, the cathedral of Santiago de Comostela, about a 80. minute drive away, known by Christians as the burial site of Saint James, apostle of Jesus and has become the ending point for Christians who take various routes on a multi-day pilgrimage to the Cathedral.
As we approached the magnificent cathedral, many pilgrims who made arriving May 1 (May Day, a Labor Day in Spain) the day to arrive in groups celebrating together their accomplishment.
Inside the Cathedral is the buried remains of St. James adorn in gold and massive alter – the celebration of those who arrived is to go to the statue of St. James and give him a hug prior to getting their certificate from the cathedral staff. We saw lots of happy people (high school age and even older hikers) who came from far away and carried moments of loved one they lost that they did the pilgrim in honor of. The Christians believe that you walk in the cathedral “dirty” (a sinner) and leave the cathedral “clean” absolved of all your sins. So, I have that going for me.
It was a great day of reflection of us as we felt the entire world journey we have been on has been a pilgrimage. We have been blessed in our lives and experienced things that make us appreciate life on earth and all its glory.
We have met a couple on the cruise who has been on the pilgrimage 7 times and they offered that they would be glad to do it with us in the future. That’s walking some 15 miles a day for 10-12 days with stops along the way to get stamps in your travel card (proof that you walked the route) and at the end of the trip reach Santiago de Compostela and when we do, I’ll be excited to see the cathedral again.
