Today we followed in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who have walked El Camino - the way - to Santiago de Compostela to pray at the tomb of the Apostle James. Although we only walked the final 6 km it was still deeply moving to finally arrive in the plaza before the ancient facade of the Cathedral. Bishop McKenna, Fr Tim, Fr Martin, and myself had the privilege of concelebrating the pilgrims' mass with the Archbishop of Santiago. This was an amazing experience. From the sanctuary we looked down on thousands of pilgrims waving thousands of national flags and singing lively songs with gusto.
If this we not exciting enough, at the conclusion of mass the giant thurible for which Santiago is famous was lit and lifted aloft. I could not help but be amused as I watched the entire congregation swing their heads side to side as they followed the progress of the thurible. At the end of the incensing the entire congregation broke into thunderous applause and we processed out to the sound of a thousand voices joined in praise. For me Santiago has been one of the most memorable experiences of the pilgrimage so far. I hope to return to this place one day and pray once more before the tomb of the Apostle.
Fr Greg Bellamy
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