[Gocamino] Traditions

[Rosina]

Hi there, Glenn, and all, 
>From what I understand, the perspiration (and virus/bacteria contained therein) deposited by millions and millions of hands over the centuries penetrated the marble and caused a series of varicose-veins-like minuscule fissures that threaten the whole Jesse Tree and other parts of the portico where the stones connect.
It hasn't been only the pilgrims who have placed their hands there, but the umpteen millions of tourists and visitors who have done so..... and just as continuous dripping of water, drop by drop, will bore a hole through the strongest rock, the bodily fluids augmented by, perhaps, dirt, grease and what-have-you, deposited by hands on the site, have caused seriously ominous conditions. 
 I, too, enjoyed touching the hand impression forged by millions over the centuries, and, perhaps even more, butting my forehead on the head of Mestre Mateo's kneeling statue hoping  to acquire some wisdom and intelligence by osmosis, but, of course, the protection and preservation of the glorious Portico is infinitely more important.
Do you know where I feel the nearness, and communion, of ancient pilgrims, to the point that I get totally immersed in their shadows?  Walking around the Cathedral at night, when there are few people around, particularly on a moonlit night after the rain.  I swear that I can hear the murmur of their voices and the soft sound of their steps and  walking stick...... more clearly on Quintana Square.
Often, around midnight, I find a few people sitting on the steps leading up from the square,  mute and rapt for long periods of time, and by their absorbed intensity I know that they feel as I do. 
Hugs!
Rosina   






-----Original Message-----
From: Glenn Jilek <guha2005 at hotmail.com>
To: GASpangler at hotmail.com <gaspangler at hotmail.com>; saintjames at yahoogroups.com <saintjames at yahoogroups.com>; gocamino at oakapple.net; Ultreya <ultreya at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sat, Jul 24, 2010 8:40 am
Subject: [Gocamino] Traditions



 feel very fortunate to have been able to put my hand on that hand print that 
as touched by so many pilgrims.  For me it was a more moving experience than 
ny other of the traditions at the cathedral.  I felt connected through the 
any, many years with kindred spirits.  It is a shame that others will not be 
ble to have that same opportunity. What are the authorities worried about? 
 
Glenn