[Gocamino] Pilgrims in the public albergues.

[Rosina]

 Hello you all,

 

The number of pilgrims using the albergues sponsored by the Xacobean people continues to grow:  In 2005 those registering as pilgrims in the public albergues were 216,616; in 2006 they were 228,266 and in 2007 they were 231,119.

In the last Holy Year, 2004, they were 735,814! Of these, 561,804 had used the albergues in the Camino Frances; 67,918 used those in the Portuguese Camino; 37,262 those in the Via de la Plata; 29,863 those in the Fisterre-Muxia route; 24,333 those in the Northern Way; 9,702 and 4,937 those in the Primitive Way.

 

With the new unavoidable evidence of more and more fake credentials and more and more fake pilgrims in the public albergues the increase in actual bona-fide pilgrims cannot be determined with exactitude.  Also, it has been estimated that the number of pilgrims that stay in private albergues, albergues run by religious orders, inns, hostels, pensions and the like is roughly the same as those who use the public albergues. (I, for one, do not stay in the albergues because of acute insomnia and a phobic need for privacy, and most of my friends also make private arrangements, so that they won’t have to hurry to get a berth and can continue walking in the afternoon).

 

The huge numbers expected in the next Holy Year, 2010, has been of great concern to the powers that be. As we know. there is now a crack-down on “fake” pilgrims, which includes the assessment of 3 Euros per night and stricter credential requirements; lots of petitions for licenses to open albergues are being considered, and many are already underway, particularly in the Via de la Plata.

 

Other concerns about pilgrims and the Cathedral have arisen which are receiving a lot of play in the Galician Press.  As we know, the Portico de Gloria and the accompanying side columns can no longer be touched, which means that the ancient rituals of butting heads with the statue of Maestro Mateo, and putting one’s hand where millions and millions of other pilgrims have done is no longer possible.  Whether or not to discontinue the ascent behind the altar to give the image of the Apostle a hug is also being reviewed …. not only for the logistics involved in trying to accommodate the thousands and thousands who want to go up for the hug, but also for reasons of security,  in view of the increasing thefts of religious objects throughout Europe (much reported in the press lately).

You may remember that the cape around the shoulders of the image of Santiago was replaced a few years ago. The previous one had been adorned with precious gems. many of which were pried off with a pen-knife or, even, with someone’s teeth! The new cape’s adorning gems are not genuine anymore and are, hopefully better secured…. Nevertheless, some have disappeared, presumably taken by some jerk seeking a “souvenir”.

 

The reassuring element in all the considerations being undertaken is that bona fide pilgrims will count first and foremost because, after all, as the Archbishop continues to emphasize, “Pilgrims ARE the Camino”. It might be that one will need a Compostela, or certificate, with a photo ID to access the back of the altar or the crypt.  The Portico de Gloria, it seems, will continue out of touch for anyone.

 

Sigh!

 

Rosina

 

 

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