[Gocamino] More on 2005 pilgrims

[Blaroli@aol.com]

Again, the numbers reported are NOT the number of total pilgrims, but only 
the number of pilgrims actually being granted the Compostela. Those pilgrims who 
received only certificates, or who did not qualify for the Compostela, or who 
did not seek it, are not included.
When I was in Santiago during the 2004 Holy Year, and in January of 2005,  I 
saw a great many pilgrims who chose not to stand  in  line  to go up to the 
Pilgrims' office to request the Compostela.. Either they were tired,  or they 
were pressed for time.  Since I was staying at the Vilar Hotel, which is right 
across the street from the Pilgrims' office, I also saw quite a few pilgrims 
who couldn't get a Compostela because they arrived after the Pilgrims' office 
had closed. 
With the change of government in Spain and the ancillary drastic cuts in the 
government subsidies previously afforded to the Santiago pilgrimage support 
offices, the salaried staff at the Pilgrims' office was cut in half;   this has 
made getting a Compostela more time consuming; also, the times when the 
pilgrims' office is open have been curtailed.   

The next Holy Year will be in 2010, and the one after that will not be until 
eleven years later, that is 2021. 

Regards,

Rosina