May pilgrims

[Rosina Lila]

Hello you all,
6,351 pilgrims were awarded the Compostela in Santiago last month; the
pilgrims numbered about 1,100 more than last year's May pilgrims.
About 38% of the pilgrims were women and the rest were men.
5,182 pilgrims walked, 1,131 bicycled, 37 rode horses and a pilgrim went on a
wheelchair.
Ninety-four percent of the pilgrims declared a religious motive for making
the pilgrimage and 6% stated a cultural/educational reason.
1,366 of the pilgrims were over 60 years old, 1,142 were under thirty years
of age, and the rest, 3,843 were between the ages of 30 and 60.
39% of the pilgrims were from Spain itself and the rest, 3,878, came from
other countries.  The largest number of foreign pilgrims, 940, came from Germany;
708 from France; 250 from Austria; 234 from Holland; 229 from Italy; 184 from
Britain; 179 from the Nordic countries and the rest, in descending numbers,
from several other countries including three American countries: Canada, the
United States and Brasil.  In all, foreign pilgrims came from 55 different
countries.
1,049 pilgrims started out in SJPP, 800 in Sarria, 672 in Roncesvalles, 425
in O Cebreiro, 393 in Leon, 346 in Pamplona, 284 in Astorga and the rest began
their pilgrimage in other points, all more than 100 kms. away from Santiago
for walkers and 200 kms. for cyclists.
Almost 90% of the pilgrims used the French Way; of the rest, the largest
number, 229, followed the Via de la Plata, 205 the Northern Way, 182 the
Portuguese Way and 43 the English Way.
       It should be remembered that far from all pilgrims receive the
Compostela; many complete the pilgrimage in stages, and they make take years in doing
so; the Compostela is awarded only to those that complete the final stage,
which consists of the last 100 kms. for walkers and 200 kms. for cyclists.  As
reported earlier, the number of pilgrims using the 150 publicly sponsored
albergues was 6,700 for the first three months  of this year, but only about 700
received the Compostela in the same period.
       The Archdiocese and the Galician Xunta are busily preparing for the
high number of pilgrims expected not only next year, but this Summer as well.
The group of those who assist pilgrims at the Cathedral has been increased and
the number of priests available for confession has been doubled, as well as
the facilities and hours for confession.  Because of the relatively small size
of the Santiago Cathedral, the Archdiocese is planning to adopt the "Dialogue"
form of confession which is used in France, particularly in Paris' Notre Dame.
 This method is a face-to-face dialogue across a table, which seems more like
a friendly therapeutic chat than the traditional confessional way. (My parish
in New York City, "Our Lady of Pompeii", gives parishioners the choice of
either).
       Lastly, and happily, after eight years of silence the bell of the
Cathedral's clock is ringing out again.  Two Santiago artisans were able to carry
out the needed repairs at the tower itself; working as long as 12 hours per
day the dismantled the  numerous parts of the clock, cleaned and repaired them
and put the clock back together.  The clock bell, affectionately known as
Berenguela, was reprocessed with its own metals and, reportedly, it now has its old
brilliant tone.
The clock was made in 1831 at the Ferrol foundry under the direction of naval
engineers.  The whole machinery, including the bell, weighs 25 tons and
requires winding, by hand, every 27 hours.
The return of the familiar sound of the clock's bell has, reportedly, brought
much joy to Santiago residents.
Warm regards,
Rosina