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<DIV>Some thoughts:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>1. The Compostela uses the words <EM>"pietatis causa"</EM>, which has
been interpreted by the issuing authorities</DIV>
<DIV> to be "for religious reasons"; (I
would prefer a usage that means "for pious reasons"). </DIV>
<DIV> The major difference in the terms would be the
party/person who got to define the terms:</DIV>
<DIV> "Religious reasons" is defined by the
church; whereas "Pious reasons" is personal, and privately defined.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>2. In lieu of a certificate for "religious reasons", Just buy a
T-shirt;
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>3. Eliminate the requirement...?? Perhaps when
Howard is elected Pope ! <STRONG><FONT
size=4>:-))</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Paul</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Question: Does Pilgrim Office issue a "Non-Religous
Certificate"?? Anyone have a photo of one?? </DIV></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG><FONT color=#0080c0>This is fine for adherents to a faith; but
what about non-believers who walk? there is no requirement, thankfully,
that one profess to be a Catholic to receive the Compostela. As for
Marathon certificates and academic degrees, of course there are requirements
to earn them. I don't take issue with the proof that one has walked or
cycled a certain distance, but what does "a religious motive" really have to
do with getting a Compostela? The Church should eliminate this aspect of
granting the Compostela despite all your arguments for keeping it. As I
said, personal or private motives are just as valid in my mind. HM
NYC</FONT></STRONG></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>