The pilgrimage is a real challenge. Therefore, it is convenient to prepare it beforehand both spiritually and physically.
The goal of your pilgrimage - whichever route you choose - is the Tomb of St. James the Apostle. Who was this character? How is he connected to us? Why do so many people come to his Tomb? The answer to all these questions is the first step to be taken before starting your pilgrimage. The following recommended books might be helpful for this purpose. To get more information on the book and how to acquire it, just click on the title.
Perhaps you are a group of friends who have decided to walk together to St. James. There also are materials available for you. Let us recommend you 4 Catequesis para la Comunidad Cristiana (in Spanish), recently published, or the work by José Miguel Burgui, En Camino a Santiago con jóvenes. Central Catequística Salesiana. Alcalá, 164. 28028. MADRID. 1993 (in Spanish). This book narrates the experience of his pilgrimage to Compostela with a group of young people.
Jesus, when taking leave of the Apostles, promised to send them His spirit. Once the Father returned from His Ascension, both of them spilt their spirit over those coward rude men, though good and simple. The result was wonderful: 30 years later those who believed in Jesus and accepted his heritage spread out everywhere in the Roman Empire: From Jerusalem to Ilirico, to the desert and to Finis Terrae. It was the Holy Spirit that guided the Apostle to Saint James and to the limits of the ocean. He also led the disciples to bring the Apostle’s corpse to St. James where he should be buried. Preparing the spiritual side of the pilgrimage involves us by letting God’s Spirit guide our steps along the Way. We must also open our heart to him, listening to and following his message.
For this purpose the following guides are very helpful Guía Espiritual del Camino de Santiago, o también Guía para una peregrinación a Compostela.(Both in Spanish).
The Credential
It recognises you as a pilgrim in the refuges and everywhere along the Way. It must also be presented in St. James to certify that you have walked, cycled or come on horseback. The credential should function as a kind of recommendation letter of your parish, association, church group, etc. There is a specific place where to put the stamps on belonging to the refuges or parishes. The credential can be obtained in the Diocesan Delegation responsible for Pilgrims in your place of origin or in St. James’ Diocesan Delegation. Enter the site dedicated to Materials.
Perhaps this is the easiest part of your pilgrimage as there is a handful of Pilgrims’ Guides. You can also learn from Burgui’s experiences in the work mentioned before.
BOTAFUMEIRO
No es un espectáculo, ni una curiosidad única de la Catedral de Santiago, es
verdad que solo se conserva hoy en ella como un elemento integrante de la
celebración eucarística, en determinados días del año y cuando lo ofrece alguna
peregrinación o grupo.
Esta es una tabla orientativa de los días que se puede ver el Botafumeiro en
alguna de las misas en el Altar Mayor:
Epifanía del Señor 6 de Enero
Domingo de Pascua de Resurrección Semana Santa
Ascensión del Señor 40 días después de Pascua
Fiesta de la aparición del Apóstol 23 de Mayo
Pentecostés 50 días después de Pascua
Martirio del Apóstol Santiago 25 de Julio
Asunción de la Virgen María 15 de Agosto
Todos los Santos 1 de Noviembre
Cristo Rey 5º domingo antes de Navidad
Inmaculada Concepción 8 de diciembre
Natividad de Nuestro Señor 25 de Diciembre
Traslación de los restos del Apóstol 30 de Diciembre