Last year we took this and the following stages of the Camino on bicycle into Astorga. This year we decided that after experiencing last year's sore "behinds" and multiple sick people along the way that we would opt to walk these stages. So far, it was a great decision. The landscape is very different from what have seen so far. We are now on the "meseta" or mesas of Spain. They area tends to be relatively flat with occasional rolling hills or shallow valleys.
Outside of Burgos
This is the ERMITA DE NUESTRA SENORA DEL MONASTERIO one the edge of the small (and I mean small) village of RABE DE LAS CALZADAS. I love this little spot. It is cared for by some nuns who greet every pilgrim who enters the sanctuary. They give each person a blessing and a small medallion of the Virgin Mary, praying that each person will be protected on their journey.
This is our friend from the Ermita. She spent a lot of time talking to us and telling us how much she appreciated our stopping by and talking. She is an amazingly spiritual and kind individual who has dedicated her life to caring for orphans or abused children.
This is the main street (only street) in Hornillos del Camino.
We had a very interesting experience in Hornillos. We heard the church bell ringing and then got a text from Doug Weatherford that Vespers were beginning. We rushed down to the church. It is always an interesting experience. After the mass the priest invited all the pilgrims forward for a blessing. Once we gathered he handed each of us a sheet with a prayer in all the languages of those in attendance: English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. Each group read the prayer out loud. It was quite a touching moment where barriers lifted and we became one in purpose. After the reading we sang together the Pilgrim's Hymn "Ultreia et suseia". Again, a wonderful and intimate experience. Then, he asked if any of us would like to offer a song. Jannette, Doug and I sang "All Creatures of Our God and King" (with some of the others joining in). Then one by one the others sang songs in their language. I have attended a number of masses in my life, but this one was perhaps the most personal and intimate. We left the experience feeling like we were friends and, of course, fellow travelers along the trail.
It becomes clearer with every step that too often we put too many barriers between ourselves and others. Instead we should be striving to find common ground and those things that unite us in a good cause. I do not adhere to the doctrines espoused by my Catholic friends, but I can (and do) admire and honor their faith, their goodness, their wisdom, and their purposefulness in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment