Celebrating our Camino!

After rising early and walking many miles for over a week, it was nice to be able to sleep later. We did have a few obligations the day after we reached Santiago. The first order of business was to go to the Pilgrim Office and receive our Compostelas (above), certificates for completing the Camino de Santiago. They are written in Latin, with our names in Latin as well.

To get our compostelas, we had to present our Pilgrim passport pictured above. We got this document at the beginning of our pilgrimage and were required to get at least two stamps in it each day. Our Pilgrim Passports became almost as precious to us as our U.S. passports.

We had a tour of the Cathedral Museum at 3 pm. Before that, our group got together so that each of us could share something special about the pilgrimage. I liked what Luke said. He said that he admired everyone on the pilgrimage, but especially two groups. A few of our fellow pilgrims were sick for at least part of the Camino. They walked as much as they could and they walked when they didn't feel well; it wasn't the experience they would have chosen. Luke said he couldn't imagine walking while not feeling well and he admired them for it. Then, there were a few pilgrims who stayed back with those who were sick and attended to them and rode with them to the next destination. This, too, Luke admired and he said that he hoped he would be like that when he grows up. 

Luke's comments reminded me of the quote at the Pilgrim's Office: "Your night that lacked light has now become a torch of living faith." from the Codex Calixtinus, the first travelogue of the Camino.

After our group meeting, we had a two and half hour tour of the Cathedral Museum. It was interesting; one of the main takeaways for me is how inexact medieval and ancient history are. More on this later.

At 8:30 pm, we had a celebratory dinner. Above are Leigh and Father Michael, the faithful, compassionate, courageous, and very organized leaders of our pilgrimage.

Here is a group photo of us at the beginning of the pilgrimage.

We made our pilgrimage with some lovely, lovely folks. Most were from Illinois but some pilgrims hailed from Ohio, New York, Michigan, Missouri, and California. Above are: Peggy, who invited us to begin with, Leigh, Tina, whose spunk was an example to everyone, and Denise.

Terry and Diane from Michigan. Diane had a milestone birthday while walking the pilgrimage. Loved their endurance and perspective.

Pete and Tricia. Pete also celebrated a birthday.

Mary had valuable experience as a PE teacher.

Crystal, between Peggy and Tina, has written an award-winning children's book, "Bird."

Laura's nursing skills came in handy and Cheryl said she was on the pilgrimage for relaxation! She wrote a poem about the Camino:

Thursday's Mountain

Mountain path rises, never ending

Bones, muscles, feet and toes reject the plan

God's beauty is overwhelming; pushes me 

further

Padre come while feet still move

We rejoice in the wonder of his blessed design.

Luke walked with Tom and Jeralyn for a day. Tom entertained us at the dinner with his amazing juggling.

Jean, a Bradley grad, with Leigh.

Colleen, Marie Marie, and Evan. Colleen was a life saver (foot saver!) and was so generous with her blister care supplies.

Frank and Bruce joined the pilgrimage several days after it started and fit right in.

Victoria won the Florence Nightingale award at the dinner for her care of others.

Luke between the very nice Meg and Barb.

Tom and Mary Lynn, two of four doctors on the trip. We were in good hands!

Three very nice guys- Kevin, Mike, and Mike (lots of Mikes and Marys on the trip!)

John received an award for being a great medical care giver. Luke got one for being the youngest person with the oldest soul. I got one for being the only woman who had to keep track of two males!

Father Michael with his younger brother Tom after Tom's juggling performance.

Looking over us at the dinner.