<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2>Hi Paul,
<BR>The credential that one gets at SJPP is the same provided at Roncesvalles which is, I believe, produced and provided by the Santiago Archdiocese.
<BR>Yes, it is very pretty and practical. It is accordion-like, slightly less than the size of a postcard; sandy colored, sturdy, yet very light and it folds into eight sections with room for at least 40 seals.
<BR>It opens with the official presentation of the pilgrim; at the completion of the pilgrimage the credential is certified on the same page when the Compostela is awarded.
<BR>The back pages contain practical information, the pilgrims' benediction, fairly detailed maps (with distances) of the Portuguese Way, The French Way, various Santiago ways throughout Christian Europe, and a pilgrim's prayer.
<BR>I treasure mine, and always take one of them in my regular passport whenever I travel and wherever I go.
<BR>The front part of the credential is a drawing of a pilgrim's walking stick, with a shell and a gourd pending from it, resting against an ancient, iron-studded wooden and knobby door with a prominent medieval key hole and lock in the center.
<BR>I often have wondered what the significance of the inviting key-hole and lock might be. Does anyone know?
<BR>Warm regards,
<BR>Rosina </FONT></HTML>