It’s official! My pilgrim document arrived! Here’s how this works: Each day along the Camino, it’s necessary to have this Pilgrim Credential stamped to prove the progress along the way. People can acquire stamps at the official pilgrim hostels, hotels, government buildings and other places. To receive the official certificate of completion when arriving in Santiago, called the “Compostela,” pilgrims must present their credential at the Pilgrim’s Office.
Included in the credential is the ancient Pilgrim’s Prayer, dating from the 12th Century, the Codex Calixtinus:
God, You called Your servant Abraham from Ur in Chaldea, watching over him in all his wanderings, and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert. Guard these your children who, for love of Your Name, make a pilgrimage to Compostela. Be their companion on the way, their guide at the crossroads, their strength in weariness, their defense in dangers, their shelter on the path, their shade in the heat, their light in darkness, their comfort in discouragement, and the firmness of their intentions; that through Your guidance, they may arrive safely at the end of their journey, and enriched with grace and virtue, may return to their homes filled with salutary and lasting joy.
The credential beautifully describes the “Spirit of the Camino”;
Live in the moment
Welcome each day – its pleasures and its challenges
Make others feel welcome
Share
Feel the spirit of those who have gone before you
Imagine those who will follow you
Appreciate those who walk with you today
As I’ve taught my students, we are all on pilgrimage, each one of us today, at this very moment, and we all have the same glorious destination! With pilgrimage as metaphor for life, we all carry burdens, and at the same time are surrounded with beauty. We have loved ones around us to help us face our challenges, and should always be mindful to help others carry their burdens. I’ve said all along that if I never make it to Santiago, today I count myself a pilgrim, una peregrina. Make me a peregrina buena. Let us live this Spirit of the Camino every day of our life journey!