One of the capstone experiences for our Camino adventure was to attend the noon mass at Santiago Cathedral, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago. Fortunately, Judi and I arrived at 11:00 to get good seats near the altar and to appreciate the opulence of the religious art. The cathedral holds more than 700 people and was full to overflowing, with people standing inside the doorways and in the side aisles. When the murmurs of the waiting crowd grew too loud, a security guard would quietly announce, “Silencio, por favor,” to maintain the dignity of the atmosphere.
A priest celebrated mass, assisted by visiting clergy from Taiwan, Germany, England, and the United States, pilgrims who had completed the Camino this week.
Hundreds of Catholic massgoers received Communion, and the mass concluded. The anticipation of what would come next kept everyone from leaving, however. The botafumeiro, a giant incense burner suspended on a thick rope, would be swung over the altar and back and forth in a huge arc from side to side in the cross-shaped church interior. Today’s pilgrims, unlike those in times long gone by, don’t need fumigating. Instead, the swinging of the botafumeiro symbolizes thanksgiving for our safe arrivals into Santiago.
The drama of the smoking and swinging botafumeiro contrasted beautifully with the light, sweet voice of a young nun who was accompanied on the huge, cherub-adorned pipe organ.
As we left the church, we stopped to greet and say goodbye to some of our Camino “family.”
Soon Judi and I will leave Santiago, bursting with memories of rich experiences and connections with new friends.
What an amazing experience!
Best wishes for a smooth reentry to the world away from the Camino. Hold on to your Camino high for as long as you can!
We loved meeting and walking with you, Judy and Barb! Your blog is beautifully written and this page captures the awe-inspiring Mass at the cathedral perfectly. I wish I could share it to my facebook page but don’t know how. Safe travels back to NH. May we meet again!
Simply amazing! You have inspired many of us. It’s time to reflect and celebrate.
Jim
This must have been quite a way to end your journey on the Camino. I am sure that you have years of tales to tell about the journey and the people you met along the way. I can’t wait to hear them. Have a safe trip back and I look forward to seeing you in November.
A fitting conclusion to an amazing adventure! God was surely looking over you!
Welcome home! (almost)
I am wonderfing what you are most looking forward to… There is likely a list! 🙂
xo~~ Diane
If you attend a high mass locally you can again experience the concentration with insense. At Christmas most Catholic Church’s offer it.
Judy and Barb
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing pilgrimage! It’s beautiful, breathtaking, inspirational and educational. It was so well done. I’m sure there was a part of you that did not want it to end. Welcome home, ladies.
I think you two women are awesome..really!
Terry Webster❤️