sites & Shields

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
The image of our Apostle as "matamoros" seems to have been used to inspired
Iberic combatants to battle across centuries and across the Atlantic.  I
believe that in Mexico there is a sizable city called Matamoros (in the
northern state of Tamaulipas?).   It is recorded that in America the
Apostle's warrior appellation became "mataindios", during the taking of
Mexico et.al by the Spaniards, and centuries later during  the Spanish
American countries' struggle for independence the apostle was invoked as
"mataespanoles".  -Peotic justice, I suppose-.
 It would appear that the Apostle was believed to protect those who went to
battle in pursuit of a noble cause, and the nobility of the cause depended on
whose ox was being gored.
The image of the Apostle continues to be displayed in churches in Latin
America all over the place, but overwhelmingly  as a pilgrim. A very touching
one appears above the door of the  principal church of the town of Santiago
de Angahua in the state of Michoacan in Mexico.  The image of Santiago
pilgrim is recognizably Zapotec (the indians of the region) and it is
profusely surrounded by local indian motifs and decorations.
I wasn't privy (thankfully)  to the earlier list polemic  re Santiago as
matamoros.  When I see the matamoros images they sadden me a little and I
make an effort to remember a verse which is engraved at the entrance of the
archeological ruins of Iberica  (the ancient Roman name for  Sevilla). The
verse, which seems to me to be out of place there, says in part:
              "Crimenes son del tiempo, no de Espana".  Which translated,
-for those of you not familiar with Spanish yet-,  reads: "Crimes are those
of the times, and not of Spain".  I suppose that this is true.

      What is extraordinary is that Santiago today inspires us to unity and
to sister and brotherhood to the extent that we joyfully put our bodies to
the task of walking 500 miles, loaded with a backpack no less,  and not
knowing where or how we are going to sleep, or what we'll find to eat..., or
what the weather is going to be ....etc. etc. etc..... and when we arrive in
Santiago we flower with a spiritual joy which stays with us for months and
months.... and propels us to do it again.
       Perhaps we should have a contest to come up with a new appellation for
our Apostle that will counter the "matamoros"  one;  "nacebuenos" or
something like that.  Ideas anyone?  We could suggest  the new name to the
Archdiocese now that they've unilaterally  have decided to become  pen pals.
Gosh!  wouldn't it be lovely to be in the Camino this very moment?.... or at
least in Granada?.
Fond regards to you all.
Rosina