[Gocamino] Credential requirements. From the horse's mouth. Message 2

[Rosina]

Translation of Don Genaro’s letter (omitting the long list of names in reunions, etc).

 

“The credential has been, throughout the centuries, the fundamental means to certify a Santiago pilgrim. For a long time the most significant pilgrim document was the signed and seal letter from his/her parish attesting to the intentions of the pilgrim’s effort. On September 14, 2000, recognizing modern necessities, in a final, for the purpose,  reunion of the Santiago Archdiocese, the Archconfraternity, and the Federation of Friends of Santiago Associations, an accord was made regarding future Pilgrimage-related measures. 

Those present recognized that the ultimate destination of Santiago pilgrims is the tomb of the Apostle. With this in mind, those present pledged themselves to nurture, assist and protect, in every possible way, those making the pilgrimage to Santiago, and to cooperate with one another in such purpose.

Because of the profusion, and the lack of genuineness in many instances, of pilgrims’ credentials, the need for only one uniform pilgrim’s credential was recognized, and agreed upon.

In 2000 the number of Compostela earning pilgrims was 55,004, and in 2007 it was  114,026. But many more approached the Pilgrims’ office with credentials issued by non-recognized institutions, and they did not have the necessary information about the pilgrimage, its Christian significance, or its spiritual dimension. On a daily basis a great many such non-pilgrims appear at the Pilgrims’ offi
ce bearing would-be credentials which only attest to their free use of albergues.

These are the reasons for the following resolutions and measures:


Commencing on January 1, 2009, the Pilgrims’ Office will only accept as such the credential issued by the Santiago Cathedral, which has a space for the seal of the authorized institution, church or Santiago Friends’ Association that issued it.

Friends Associations that are not part of the Federation of Associations that may wish o issue credentials must contact its parish to obtain the information that must be imparted to those who wish to make the pilgrimage. Through their parish they may obtain a sufficient number of blank credential forms.


For the purposes of granting the Compostela the criteria that have compelled the need to accept at the Pilgrims’ Office only the credential issued by the Cathedral, or those that may be created by the Federation of Friends of Santiago Associations that will clearly contain information about the religious character of the Santiago pilgrimage, have been openly, abundantly and repeatedly discussed and recognized. 

 

Genaro Cebrian Franco

Canonic of Pilgrimages”

 

And that’s it.  If there are some errors in translation I apologize for them.



Hugs!

Rosina