[Gocamino] Children on the camino

[Grant Spangler]

Children denied a Compostela? Yes. Absolutely. The Menager family from 
Garches (suburban Paris) took several summers to make it from Paris to 
Santiago. They were denied Compostelas for their two youngest children. The 
parents of course received Compostelas but only three of the five children 
were reciptents. Ignace, Anne-Thèreze & Margueritte-Marie got Compostelas. 
Joseph-Athanase & Louis-Bernard did not, they got the Certificado 
Peregrinaje. The latter is the one they dole out to bus pilgrims who visit 
the Cathedral. Joseph-Athanase was heartbroken and his parents’ protests had 
no effect on the decision to grant the Certificado. The rationale? "Less 
than the age of responsible choice." The pilgrim’s office determined he was 
not "spiritually mature" by virtue of his age and stature. This child is one 
of the most spiritually adept people I have ever met. Full of faith and 
knows his God. The pilgrim’s office got it all wrong. Shirley McClain 
qualifies because she claims “spiritual” motivation. A devoutly Christian 
child is denied … well …  how could he possible be “spiritual”, look, he’s 
too young. Wrong. So wrong. A child shall lead them.

Buen Camino,

Grant

Grant Spangler
GASpangler at hotmail.com
http://groups.msn.com/ElCaminoSantiago
http://community.webshots.com/user/ElCaminoSantiago