06 August 2008
Almost There...by ER
We have almost crossed the finish line to Santiago and I have really mixed emotions about leaving the Camino. I have dreamed of walking this pilgrimage road for the past 5 years, and now I suppose I will dream of walking it again. Tomorrow, when we arrive at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, we will have to say goodbye to a good friend. We´ve come to depend on the road and little yellow arrows to show us where to go and guide us to our home for the night. Sometimes we start walking before dawn and have to look for arrows with our flashlights...you can imagine the relief we feel when a shining spot of yellow appears in the forest. I think I will search for the arrows even after this trip.
Many people have dedicated their lives to finding these arrows and we are reminded of this when we see graves and memorials along our path. They are beautifully decorated with pilgrim momentos, acknowledging their sacrifice. Hundreds of years ago, many pilgrims were robbed, kidnapped and murdered on their way to Santiago. Imagine walking from Rome, where many pilgrims started, to Santiago in 1794. There were no ATMs, (so you had to take all of your money with you), no Merrell shoes (i.e. blisters galore), bed bugs (wait we still have those), no internet cafes or rucksacks. They did however, have the protection of The Knight´s Templar and the hospitality of strangers along the way. Time marches on, but the intention of the Camino remains the same.
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Every pilgrim who follows the yellow arrows along the Camino to Santiago can be grateful to one person – Don Elias Valina Sampedro of O’Cebreiro parish - a dedicated priest and scholar who devoted over 30 years of his life to the resurrection and promotion of the camino.
D Elias was appointed priest of the parish of Santa Maria La Real of O’Cebreiro in 1959 when he was just 30 years old. Under his direction the church of St Mary’s as well as the ancient inn and pilgrim hospital – “little more than a dunghill” - were restored and in 1972 O’Cebreiro was declared a Historical Monument.
He concentrated all of his energies on the restoration and reanimation of the camino. In 1967 he wrote his doctoral thesis on - The Road of St James: A Historical and Legal Study. He directed the - Artistic Inventory of Lugo and its Province- six large volumes of an exhaustive description of all the monuments and items that could have any value
“In the 1970’s there survived only a remote memory of the Jacobean pilgrimage” he wrote. In 1971 he wrote the book ‘Caminos a Compostela’.
In 1974 Edwin Mullins published a book “The Pilgrimage to Santiago”. In it he recounts how it was for a pilgrim on foot in the early 1970’s:
“It was more often a question of dropping into village bars and enquiring politely where the old road might be.”
In 1972 only 6 pilgrims were awarded the Compostela.
D. Elias’s guide was published in 1982 and at a gathering in Santiago in 1985 he was entrusted with the co-ordination of all the resources for the camino. “Refugios” were established and he was the first to mark the way with yellow arrows with paint begged from the Roads Department.
Ten years later, in 1986, the Santiago Cathedral issued 2,491 certificates. In 1989, the year of the Pope’s visit (and sadly, also the year D Elias passed away) 5,760 compostelas were issued. If you are one of the estimated 600,000 pilgrims to trustingly follow the yellow arrows this year, remember the generous hand that lovingly drew them. You can see a bust of D. Elias in the churchyard at O Cebreiro.
Dear Girls,
As we say in kindergarten, "pat yourselves on the back!" Jerry and I am so proud of you both. The trials and tribulations of your jouney have been fascinationg to read. You both should be so proud in many ways.
Now go enjoy yourselves and rejoice in the rich memories of your accomplishment. I wish we could be at the finish line to hug you and give high fives.
Love,
Momma Sara
You ladies are AWESOME!
Thanks including us in your journey, your stories were great and well written. At times, I felt as if I was there with you, learning through you. Enjoy crossing the finish line!
Jamie
Emily,
We have read with great delight your wonderful adventure. I can't imagine what your heart and mind must feel having accomplished such an arduous task. I really am quite envious of you because I would not have made it to the first town. This now will be forever with you all the days of your life. What an accomplishment! Now enjoy the refreshing sheets you are so looking forward to and know your have been in our thoughts and prayers!
All our love to you and "WAY TO GO GIRL"! We are so proud of you!
Your Guncles
Scott and Danny
I am most awed by your journey, girls. Not only am I so proud of both of you but feel like I, too, have become a part of something much bigger than my own world. Never again will I cower at an obstacle bigger than my faith. Thanks for being a role model for many of us.
Love,
MoM
Hey sweethearts
Congratulations! You have walked the narrow path. The Camino is now an eternal thread in the fabric of your lives. One of God's gifts in his endless bounty.
I'll be looking for God's yellow arrows.
Love to you
Donna R
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