Santiago or Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of the state of Galicia, located in the northwestern part of Spain. Just as Saint Thomas came to India and preached Christ and was martyred, Saint James is traditionally believed to have preached the Gospel in Spain and after his death was buried in Santiago. Catholics celebrate the feast day of James the Apostle of Spain on 25 July every year.
‘Santiago de Compostela’ is a pilgrimage. Most of the people who come here are young people from countries like Germany, Italy, France, and England. They travel along paths full of stones and thorns. Most people travel by staying by the side of roads or the inns, braving the heat of the day and the cold of the night. It is a common sight in Santiago to kneel down and shed tears after completing the pilgrimage and reaching the destination.
All pilgrimages are very challenging. We eat well and exercise daily to maintain our physical health. But what about the soul? Every pilgrimage is similar to going to the gym to nourish the soul and mind. Therefore, this ‘Camino de Santiago’, which lasts for several days, will help us to maintain the health of the body together with a spiritual reawakening.
Faithful from different parts of the world prepare themselves for this pilgrimage through fasting and prayer. These routes, which are at least 100 km long, are full of stones and thorns. Most people travel by staying at the roadside and inns, braving the heat of the day and the cold of the night. It is a common sight in Santiago to kneel down and shed tears after completing the pilgrimage and reaching the destination. Subsequent confession and Holy Communion qualify them to receive full absolution.
The fact that most of those who come here are young people gives more hope for the future of the Catholic Church. Pilgrims from countries such as Germany, Italy, France, and England outnumber those from Spain, which is 95% Catholic.
Three Lessons Taught by the Pilgrimage to Santiago
- Minimalism
It is true that many people train their own mind when they plan to make a pilgrimage to Santiago – pack the least amount of things in your bag. Even when we go on a day trip, we carry a lot of luggage. But when we see people who pass one hundred, two hundred, or three hundred kilometers with a small backpack, we leave many unnecessary things on the way on the first day. The reason is, ‘less luggage more comfort.’ We learn to be content with what we have. We don’t need a lot of things to reach our goals. This pilgrimage teaches us to live happily by appreciating what we have. Similarly, this pilgrimage will help to remove the masks of pride and selfishness and become humble and simple.
- We are not Alone in this World
When we are born to this earth we come to know that we are not alone. Leaving your own family, relatives, and friends on a pilgrimage, you will come to see thousands in procession. Everyone who goes lonely or in groups with families has only one goal; Go to the tomb of Jacob the Great and pray quietly for a while. There are many to make friendship with you beyond the barriers of languages and countries. All of them have only one passion – Santiago.
Many of the people you meet will become your siblings and parents. This way you will never feel lonely or isolated. Perhaps there are many by your side with comforting words and food if you are tired of walking. Many will come to your aid with love, just as Jesus made hearts of the two disciples on the way to Emmaus burn with faith. You will not find a single person on this road without a smile. Here there is no distinction between the rich and the poor, between the people speaking different languages. On this pilgrimage, we become convinced that we are all children of the same Father and pilgrims to the same destination. Thus we learn to face the challenges in life’s journey and are helped to advance and reach the goal of life accepting assistance from others.
- Learning to Love Nature
‘Laudato Si’ is Pope Francis’ encyclical which teaches us about the need to love and protect nature. Written in the context of the European countries, this encyclical gives expression to the concerns about the future of the Earth. Living in the heart of Madrid, Spain, I have to travel kilometers to set foot on dirt. Or walk along an artificially paved path in a park. If you are the kind of person who wants to see different types of trees, colorful butterflies, and grasshoppers and you have a desire to breathe good clean oxygen, a pilgrimage to Santiago will not disappoint you. A pilgrimage to Santiago will surely inspire you to love nature and embrace the simplicity of life like that of Francis of Assisi.
For the attention of the faithful who live in other parts of the world, Santiago de Compostela is a journey that makes us acquainted with the realities of life and enables us to raise our hands in praise of our loving God. It is a journey towards holiness. Here the travelers have only one destination – Santiago. Santiago, save our lives. Let this journey be an experience. Rest assured, this pilgrimage will become a blessing in your life as well. Of course, miracles will happen.
Fr. Thomas Kuzhiyadichira MCBS