The Mass at the Cathedral was a powerful experience for me. First of all, it was packed. Pilgrims from all over the world, having come from different Camino´s de Santiago (French Way, Portuguese Way, Silver Way, Northern Way, etc.) were present at Mass. Finally, the moment we were all anticipating and waiting for is here.
At the start of Mass, a priest welcomed everybody by mentioning all the countries and regions people came from. He shared a nice word of welcome. The music was beautiful with a soloist nun leading the congregation in worship accompanied by the organ.
The homily was great. The priest made it very clear what the Camino was all about. Pilgrims may have his / her own reason for doing the Camino but in the end, it really is all about finding God in our lives. In my heart, I said "Amen."
There about 20 priests who concelebrated Mass. Priests who did the Camino are invited to concelebrate. I would later meet and have a conversation with the priest who had given me communion at mass.
This was our photo preparing for mass.
The order, peace and quiet in the cathedral is maintained quite strictly (as they should) by religious brothers from the Order and Mandate of St. Michael, the Archangel. I was struck by their habit that I had to strike up a conversation with them to ask about their order. I met a number of them and they were all young looking. The community´s vocation seem to be in good form and have a good future ahead!
The reliquary of St. James´ remains.
Towards the top is a statue of St. James. Pilgrims hug the statue as a tradition in expressing thanks and as a sign of completion of the Camino.
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