[Gocamino] Doings in Santiago. News for pilgrims

[Rosina]

Hello you all,

 

National Geographic is filming a 6 part (half an hour) series called “Codex Calistinus” which will expound on that ancient document. The series will be shown on International National Geographic, which probably will not be viewable in the USA owing to the commercial protectionism of TV interests here which excludes international broadcasts, (even on PBS or cable).

 

The Xunta has acquired the rights to one of the ancient buildings abutting Platerias Square (where the horses’ fountain is). The commercial tenants presently occupying it will vacate it to allow for its adaptation of the ancient building as the new Pilgrims’ museum.  The present one, located at No. 4 Rua San Miguel, right above Azabacherias will move to the new location and will be fully in use there by the next Holy Year, 2010.

 

Madrid’s University of San Pablo has, once again, sent 50 fully accredited Podologists (foot doctors) and about 200 students to the Camino to help out pilgrims in need of assistance. Their services will be free.

 

In 1170 the “Order of the Camino de Santiago” was formed to enlist knights in protecting pilgrims from marauding and attacking Musulmans (Muslims) throughout the Camino.  The Order has been revitalized today as a foundation and it counts with 700 active Knights and “Dames” dedicated to the protection of the heritage of the Camino. Reportedly, its principal purpose is to form a bulwark against encroaching
 commercial intrusions and the like which threaten to turn the Camino into a sporting “trek”, or cheap “holiday”, etc.  robbing it of its spiritual significance.  (This sounds like a Society worth joining).

 

The Tourism and Information Department in Santiago has announced new forms of recognition to be afforded to Compostela earning pilgrims. Upon presentation of the Compostela at a tourist and information office, and a picture ID, such pilgrims will be granted the right to attend museums for free and to go in tours organized by Roxoi to visit places heretofore out of bounds to ordinary tourists, like workshops in art centers, inner courts and salons of major government buildings, etc.

 

There is something of an outcry being voiced about the maintaining the Portico of Gloria permanently out of reach of the hands of pilgrims; for a few months, already, no one has been able to put her/his hand on the hand-print left in the “tree of Jesse” in the Portico by those millions that came before us.  The argument is being made that the “laying of hands” has a deep religious and spiritual significance…. As evidenced by the putting of one’s hand on the Bible when sworn into office or in court, the laying of  a priest’s hand in baptism, or last rites, etc. etc. etc. (my personal belief is that the argument won’t fly….. the pillar is far too damaged by so much indiscriminate touching and it begs protectio
n). 

 

The Archicofradia has sent out invitation for the Day of Saint James celebrations:  On the 23rd. of July, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. there will be a Cofrades' “vigil” service at the Cathedral. This will be accompanied by mournful music dirges played in some flute or piccolo-like instruments called “faggots” (!!!!!!). The 25th of July, lest we forget,  observes the day when Saint James was beheaded by the Jews on orders from their then king Herod in 44 A.D. On the 25th itself there will be a special Mass for the Archconfratrernity members (with reserved seats, if you please) at 10.00 a.m. followed by lunch at the Seminary.

 

I will be leaving for Santiago the day after tomorrow, and am both excited and curious about the trip, since I’ve never been in Santiago for Saint James’ Day but have heard a lot about it.  Reportedly, the city is chock-full already. The red-coated volunteers who help pilgrims and tourists (primarily pilgrims) are already all over the place and there is at least one helicopter in constant watch over the Casco.  In previous Saint James’ days there have been as many as 5,000 (five thousand) pipers around the Cathedral who, I’m told, manage to play in harmony.  On the evening of July 25th there will be the traditional “burning of the Cathedral”: the façade of the Cathedral, and the towers, are reproduced in fireworks material and at a given hour are set off in Obradoiro; this=2
0is followed by the traditional fireworks from the Cathedral’s roof which, to tell by the ones at the opening/closing of the Holy Door in Xacobean years, are mind-boggling spectacular.  Right now already there are all sorts of concerts all over the place; national and international artists everywhere and, in general, a tremendous do is a-building.   I will let you know whatever may be of particular note once I’m there.

 

Again, if there is something I may find out, or get, for you in Santiago, please let me know.  I will be back in New York City on the 29th of July….. just in time to turn around and go to Germany for the Wagner Festival in Bayreuth on August 3rd…….. No rest for the weary, I suppose.

 

Hugs! 

 

Rosina