Santiago de Compostela

23 & 24 October 2023

We've had two good days in Santiago. 

Yesterday we went to the English Mass in the small chapel in the Pilgrims Office. Just as when we were here four years ago, Fr Manny Domingo said Mass - he has a permanent ministry at the chapel. His Masses are very special, very pilgrim oriented. He spoke about the meaning of pilgrimage, and all that we gain and learn from them, and how we could take that home. 

Before Mass started Fr Manny asked us all to introduce ourselves and to say what camino routes we had walked. There were people from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, the Philippines, Australia and us two Kiwis. One of the pilgrims was a Filipino priest and another was an American deacon. They both took part in the Mass.

After Mass yesterday we spent time in Alameda Park. 

Today we returned to the cathedral for Mass. When we went on Saturday night one of the Sisters sang, today a man sang. Both were beautiful but whereas the Sister's voice was light and clear, the man singing was very commanding and powerful. His voice filled the cathedral. 

When we came out of Mass it was raining heavily. We decided to go the markets and just as we were deciding how to get there quickly in the heavy rain Fr Manny walked up to us and showed us the way. He's such a lovely man. 

Late this afternoon we went for a peaceful walk along the rio Sarela - just a block or two away from the cathedral area which is always busy with pilgrims and tourists alike. 

Some random photos of the last two days: 

The cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro very early morning before pilgrims started arriving. 

The altar in the small chapel where the English Masses are said.

A visit to the panaderia is high in importance. 

The cathedral as seen from Alameda Park

and a few photos of the park itself:

The two Marias.

The detail of the main altar in the cathedral is so golden that it's hard to take it all in. The cathedral was closed for restoration when we were here four years ago. 

The statue of St James is prominent behind the altar.

A few random photos from inside the cathedral: 

The botafumeiro wasn't used at either of the Masses we went to. 

Part of the organ pipes. 

A small side altar.

Talking to Fr Manny after Mass in the cathedral. Fr Manny he was one of the many priests who gave communion.

On our way to the market. 

At the market. 

A couple of random street shots:

On our walk along the rio Sarela:

Another view of the cathedral. 

...every night, when the daytime busyness has ended, the Shadow Pilgrim appears.