10.05.2024 (A breif history of the Camino de Compostela)

I thought I would just give some background information about the Camino de Compostela. As you can see from the map the traditional French Route starts at St Jean Pied de Port. This is 8 Km from the Spanish border and is at the foot of the Roncevaux Pass which crosses the Pyrenees into Spain. It continues 780 k through Northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. The French way is only one of the many trails through Europe.

It has been a route of pilgrimage since the 10th century. It is believed that the remains of the Apostle St.James the elder are buried in the cathedral at Santiago. Tradition has many stories of how his body reached there. Apparently, St.James came to Spain to convert pagans to christianity. He didn't meet with great success and returned to Palestine. Unfortunately, he feel out with the king Herod Agrippa (possibly due to James´s fiery temper) and was beheaded. His body returned to Northern Spain by a number of miracles including angels piloting a boat and bulls tamed by the cross but was ¨discovered¨ at the site of Santiago by another miracle in the 9th century. Today, about 200,000 pilgrims make part of the journey. Pope Benedict XV1 stated ¨It is a way sown with so many demonstrations of fervour, repentance, hospitality, art and culture which speak to us eloquently of the spiritual roots of the Old Continent.¨

Many catholics consider it to be a duty during their lifetime but it is done by many wanting contemplation at major turning points in their lives. Michael Portillo (past cabinet minister and TV presenter walked part of it after the Conservatives were heavily defeated in the 1997 general election. I'm doing it to find peace and purpose after my beloved Siobhan´s death, I hope to raise money for Ovacome and Cruse. The sign of the Camino is the scallop shell and is found on the many sign posts along the way. These also indicate the distance remaining.