<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT SIZE=2 PTSIZE=10 FAMILY="SERIF" FACE="Palatino Linotype" LANG="0">Hello, <BR>
To tell by the televised images, the fireworks at Obradoiro were spectacular. With the King, Queen, all sort of dignitaries and, reportedly 20,000 people jamming Obradoiro, the fireworks-tree in the shape of the Cathedral's facade was set off followed by all sorts of scintillating and exploding images and music from the roof of the Cathedral.<BR>
I, personally, cannot conceive of any such celebration more mind-boggling than the fireworks on Quintana, and from the Cathedral's roof that were set off at the opening of the Holy Door, and which I was fortunate enough to see in person. -Those fireworks, as you may remember, were, unbelievably, followed by a real shower of stars from the real sky which left everyone dumbstruck.- Well, the day is not yet over in Santiago and maybe another such wonder will appear. <BR>
Last night's fireworks were followed by gaiety in all three plazas during which the celebrants freely danced with the giant puppets with the big heads. (This did not happen on Jan. 1st.)<BR>
At the pilgrims' 12:00 o'clock pilgrims' Mass today, which was attended by the King and Queen, the notables, and 4,000 pilgrims, pride of place was given to five French pilgrims who made the pilgrimage on wheel chairs.<BR>
During the homily the Archbishop said that the significance of the pilgrimage does not consist of walking to Santiago, but rather of walking to our home country in Heaven through the routes of our heart.<BR>
Amen!<BR>
Happy Santiago Day everybody; teary-eyed I send you a warm and loving hug!<BR>
Rosina<BR>
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