Our chapel provides multiple functions. Mass is said daily at 10:30 am Monday through Saturday. An evening prayer service is offered at 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. But it also serves as place where written petitions, remembrances and/or prayers that have been brought to the cathedral can be left behind to be included in the daily mass prayers throughout the six month period when the chapel is open (May-October). We have already collected several hundred of these and the number will continue to grow into the thousands as the pilgrim season moves forward. Initially, I thought that it would be only the English speakers, who knew of the chapel and its English language services, who would be the ones leaving petitions, but no. It seems that somehow the word has circulated and now people from many countries, who are not English speakers, want to leave intentions and petitions as well.
Of course all are welcome, and so they continue to arrive at the chapel, pick up the pencils and paper that are available, move to a chair and put down their thoughts. Perhaps it is a personal desire to leave something that will be blessed after their departure or it may be a promise fulfilled, but whatever the reason it is always humbling, and heart warming, to see this devotion. We all have people, who are close to us, who have experienced the worst that life can offer. As human beings our compassion and prayers flow out to them in their brokenness. However, it is also during this time of brokenness that small cracks can appear in the shell of our self reliance where God's light can shine through pushing back the darkness and illuminating a path to healing, hope, and peace. It is with these thoughts in mind that we are happy to welcome whoever arrives at the chapel gate, with warm hospitality, and compassion, for the burdens they carry can be enormous.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Finding friends
Emilene and Oscar front row to Fr. Tony's right |
Emilene and Oscar |
Off to church again
The Archbishop of Santiago presiding at mass |
The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in A Coruna |
John R., Robin and the Archbishop |
Stephen S., Archbishop and Robin |
John R. and the Archbishop |
Robin and I, and the Archbishop |
Robin, John and Stephen in position (the dream team) |
Monday, June 22, 2015
A new week begins
Father Tony welcoming pilgrims to the mass |
Today we woke to a beautiful cool breeze blowing through our apartment. This is just the kind of invigorating weather that one needs to launch into a new week. John and Stephen are off to walk the Camino Ingles this week so it is Robin, myself, Father Tony, and on Wednesday, Father Joe will be manning the chapel for mass and prayer services. It was a quiet start to the morning in the cathedral. I was tending to some logistical issues in the chapel with one of the sisters who is working there. Mainly some restocking of necessities and a bit of cleaning up. But, that all got sorted rather quickly and we were soon ready for the week ahead. The chapel was quiet up till 10:00 and then before we knew it it was standing room only. Father Tony presided at the mass and he was very welcoming, funny, and genuinely charming. Today we had many pilgrims from England, Ireland, South Africa, the USA, and two young ladies from Indonesia who did the mass readings.
Robin and FR. Tony exchanging suggestions for further study |
A few goodies from the market |
Sunday, June 21, 2015
A very hot day off
Robin in a quiet Praza de San Agostin |
Mass, as always, is a special time for us. A young Jesuit priest presided, and seemed to have an energetic style of peaching. Our Spanish is way too basic for Robin and I to follow his homily, but his manner suggested that he was doing well and the congregation seemed to be paying attention. I did not see anybody nodding off. Always a good indication that something is being said that people want to hear. An hour later we were stepping back out into the heat. As predicted the bars and restaurants in the plaza were now doing a great business. Many cold beers were being consumed, and we would soon add to that number, but not just yet. We headed up a narrow alley to the Praza de Cervantes and then headed down towards the cathedral and turned right on Rua da Troia that took us to our lunch destination, the back garden at Casa Felisa, just a couple blocks further on. We had enjoyed a meal here once before an knew that today with all the heat the coolness of the shaded garden tables would be much sought after. We got there early to ensure premium seating, and to avoid pushing that cold beer back any further than necessary. Can't be too safe about these things. We settled in and ordered the beer followed by roasted vegetables with goat cheese, and a platter of assorted ham and cured meats. A bottle of aqua frio was added just as a precaution (and we drank all of it, and the beer). The shade and quietude was absolutely perfect and the food did not disappoint. By 2:00 we were getting ready to move along home. So off we went retracing our steps until we found ourselves passing in front of the Parador Hotel and down into the Rua de Campos de Hortas our path back to the apartment. We will try a little siesta and then see what awaits once the day cools off a bit. Ciao for now.
Robin outside the church |
Saturday, June 20, 2015
A day in the life
John the owner of the Cafe Tertulia |
Day begins |
Robin on the way to "work" |
A trip to the market after mass |
Pulpo for lunch |
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
A community gathers
One of the great joys of this ministry is being witness to the ever changing pilgrim community. It is absolutely fascinating. Having walked a few caminos both Robin and I have an understanding of the closeness that is created amongst those traveling the road to Santiago together. The uniqueness of our present situation is that we get to spend time with an ongoing stream of camino families. I thought the pilgrim introductions at yesterday's mass were pretty much spot on for understanding the breadth of interest in the camino and the diversity of the camino families. We had pilgrims from Malta, Beijing, Slovakia, Zimbabwe, Australia, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Germany, Spain, USA, France, Faroe Islands, Canada, and Japan. The curious thing is how all these folks from different countries, cultures, and age groups mostly seem to subscribe to a sense of communal well being that transcends personal wants. Note, I say mostly for after all we are all still human, and the camino, while admittedly a transforming experience, occasionally meets its match with a few folks that just see things differently. So be it. Everyone just keeps inching along towards Santiago whether it's a good day or a not so good day. The journey simply continues and things get sorted along the way. Actually that is a great part of the attraction to the camino for me. I am always amazed, and quite honestly encouraged, by how easily pilgrims can adapt to a changing situation and not seem to give it too much thought. Usually the scope of the issue at hand pales in comparison to the journey ahead and so there it lies, RIP.
So, once again, I fully admit this is the best "job" I have ever had, and Robin is right there with me on this. The opportunity to witness the transforming experience of the mass in so many people is a blessing in and of itself. We have received countless comments from pilgrims thanking the Camino Chaplaincy for providing this much needed, and appreciated, spiritual care in an English language setting. No one is proselytizing other than by living our faith in accordance with our beliefs, offering genuine hospitality to all, and showing compassion for those in need. The word is getting out and attendance at mass and evening prayer is growing. Our current team of volunteers including John R., Stephen S., Fr. Joe, Fr. Tony, Robin and myself have great chemistry and closely share the stewardship of this ministry. But, we are certainly not alone. Other terrific volunteers have preceded us and others are scheduled to follow us. I feel certain that the Camino Chaplaincy's work with the pilgrim community here in Santiago (and now also in Moratinos, and Terredillos) will remain in good hands for a long time to come. The next time you are in Santiago please stop by the cathedral and say hello. We hold daily mass at 10:30 am Mon-Sat, evening prayer services at 6:00 pm Mon-Fri, and confessions. All are welcome. Buen camino.
Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad |
The Sacristan (me) |
Yes, it is an old chapel |
Robin reviewing the gospel acclamation All is ready |
Fr. Tony presiding this morning |
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The incredible lightness of rightness
Our apartment |
Cafe Tertulia |
Our walk to "work" |
Capilla de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (our chapel) |
Robin and Stephen cantoring at St. Augustines last Sunday |
Robin and Fr. Joe at San Clemente after Sunday mass. A quiet little lunch for sixteen. |