"SACRED TRADITIONS TO MOVE THE SOUL" (from 6/25/2014)

Entering Santiago, triumphant that we had just walked 500 miles across northern Spain, is not the end of the story.  It seems the experience must "unfold" slowly even in its ending.  To become the reality of 6 weeks walking about 15 miles a day, little events have to unfurl like rose petals, revealing many smaller beautiful parts.

So many "unfinished" stories need the witness of their ultimate completion.  Did Deideia ever get past O Cebreiro?  Were Sharon and Linda from South Africa still in the game?  What about Alexa and Maria, our little Angels of Mercy?  Where were John and Vanessa?  Did our Alex with the flat feet make it in?  How about Pat?  Would we see our precious Texans again?  And what ever happened to the man from Senegal who thought he'd have to quit because he had giant blisters on the bottom of both feet?  Did Dane the cellist finish?  IS THIS IT with the Compostela, or is something unique trying to happen?

(In the square again to see if it was all real.)  

So, Izabela and I had our moment of glory and celebration.  And with it came this great release and laying down of our burdens.  We did not have to walk tomorrow.  We were free to bring form and meaning to the El Camino for ourselves.   Going back to the Cathedral did just that because we saw many of the friends we had made in the beginning of our Camino.  It was a joyous reunion.  Look closely at the lady in the purple shirt on the right.  That is Kristina Stamler.

Now that we are on the Cathedral Square, let's talk about some interesting history. 

(The cathedral)

The Cathedral stands stalwart in its grandeur for the weary Pilgrim.  With all the struggles 

and danger the Pilgrim faced, this buoyed up their spirit and filled them with a mystery larger than themselves.  They found sanctuary for their weary soul and experienced an overwhelming awe that made the whole thing worthwhile. 

Let me share how one holy tradition just might have started.
 
Back in days of old, people did not bathe every day.  Actually, back then, people only bathed once a year for the most part.  You can imagine the smell in a crowded Church on a hot day.  The Monks started swinging an incense burner to cover up the stench from all the ripening bodies.  Gradually, even though people started practicing better hygiene, the swinging incense burner (censer) morphed into the tradition of purifying the worshipers and making them feel Holy.  I am very glad this all happened because of what we got to witness when the Mass was dedicated especially to us Pilgrims. Watch these brief videos and photos to taste a little part of the spiritual beauty we experienced.

(The sweetness of the singing and the pageantry of the entering procession.)

(A Monk lights the incense in the censer preparing us for a holy cleansing)

(The burning censer is raised.)

(Monks position themselves and take a rope.  They start the swinging of this great censer with incense smoke beginning to billow out . . .  it is an awe inspiring ritual.  They must carefully coordinate their ropes to lift the censer above the alter with each revolution).  

(The censer starts a slow rhythmic swing . . .  It picks up speed as the Monks pull the ropes in perfect tandem . . .   It literally causes us to gasp as this giant burning censer swings down, swoops past us, then swooshes high above us.  It is an awesome and holy moment!)

(Angelic voices sing of higher things and the drama is complete in its transformation.)

It felt as if gates that had been tightly closed swung open with an amazing "Welcome Home" sensation filling my soul.  I am humbled by the sanctity in my heart.  I am grateful for such a glorious completion.

There is more to come, with love,

Sidney/Mom/Grandma