[Gocamino] pilgrims' preferred status

[Rosina]

Hi,
The  Archbishop, the Xunta head, and all sorts of people throughout the religious and municipal hierarchies have said many, many times, that "The Camino is the pilgrims". Both Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict made that statement in their visits to Santiago.  I've heard this assertion in church, in reunions, and everywhere repeatedly.
That  being the accepted belief, it seems to follow that, in comparison to day-tourists-by-bus, bona fide pilgrims should be given some preference in accomplishing the last step of their pilgrimage: access to the Cathedral, to the crypt and to embrace the image of the Apostle. 
When I went to Santiago for the Pope's visit in November I was nearly overwhelmed by the number and the clamor of the huge crowds at the Pope's Mass  and, frankly, concerned about the safety and preservation of the old Cathedral itself.  How in the world the Cathedral people  managed to conduct an orderly Mass and give communion to 7,000 or so excited and excitable people in ten minutes is totally beyond me. I will take to my grave the memory of the pall and calm that settled over the multitude as Prince Felipe and Princess Leticia knelt before the Pope to receive communion. The evening air became warm and peaceful and filled with a happy tranquility from then on.
The security measures at the Cathedral and other sites were very, very, costly, of course, but necessary. Presumably they are no longer needed except for the influx of pilgrims and visitors expected for the 800th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral next April. Since Holy Week will also take place in April and, traditionally, it is a time for a large swelling of pilgrim numbers, I expect that security measures may be imposed again at the Cathedral at that time.
Hugs!
Rosina




-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Barham <holy.lingering at gmail.com>
To: gocamino <gocamino at oakapple.net>
Sent: Mon, Jan 24, 2011 9:01 pm
Subject: [Gocamino] pilgrims' preferred status


Though I don't like making it sound like pilgrims have special sky-miles for 
pgrades, etc....
saw this on the pilgrims' office website, and think it is a good idea:
Beginning Monday, May 17,2010, the Pilgrims have obtainedthe Compostela will 
ave preferred access to the Cathedral through the doors in the Plaza of 
zabacheria.
http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/preferred-access-for-the-pilgrimes-in-the-cathedral/
Peace,
ichael B+
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