[Gocamino] COMPOSTELA and Credential; new rules

[blaroli at aol.com]

Hello you all,
The English translation of the Compostela dn Credential iformation on the Archdiiocese's Website does not include the following notice that appears on the Spanish version:
 
"   N O T I C E :
 
Commening in 2009 the Compostela will only be issued to those pilgrims that present the official credential shown on this page.
Reasons: 
So that pilgrims may have the appropriate information on the credential.
To avoid the dispersion and commercialization of credentials.
To make possible the Christian orientation of the origin of the pilgrimage."
 
 
Apparently this step has been necessitated by the profusion of credentials that seem bereft of rhyme and reason , and do not allow those at the pilgrims office to determine whether a pilgrims has, in fact, taken the necessary steps to be awarded a Compostela.  The Archdiocese has also been concerned about the increased viewing of the credential, and the Compostela, as a mere touristy souvenir, or as a ticket to free lodging by non bona fide pilgrims.
 
I am not sure whether the requirement will apply to all the various routes or only to the French Camino, which is where the abuses by pseudo-pilgrims, etc., seem to take place. I should hope that the beautiful Via de la Plata credential will continue to be acceptable.
 
Some people may complain that the Church wants to control the Camino..... but, after all, the Compostela is 
a religious recognition of an endeavor "pietatis causa", and it makes this statement abundantly clear. I do not understand why those who make the pilgrimage for other reasons would want a religious recognition. What possible meaning would a Compostela have for them other than as a "souvenir"?  Would the act of walking and communing with oneself, with nature, with others, have less meaning without it?
After all, those who do not undertake the pilgrimage "pietatis cause" can always get a certificate from the Pilgrims Office which itself is quite nice. And, when all is said and done, can there be a better recognition of the Santiago pilgrimage than the one forever engraved in the heart of the pilgrim?
 
Hugs!
 
Rosina
 
 
 
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