Leaving at a glorious sunrise following the stone and water route before a delicious breakfast. Meandering along the river and vineyards led us to a sea side harbour town with sandy beaches and plenty bars. 26km of walking.
A short but glorious hilly route to Armenteira saw us trekking up mountains through forests and down ancient walkways arriving at the mythical monastery for the night.
Actual sounds from the forest
The earliest record of this monastery dates from 942 and its foundation is attributed to Saint Fructuosus of the Benedictine Order. Emperor Charles V granted it the privilege of housing a School of Theology between 1556 to 1648.
After an enormous croissant breakfast we climbed out of Redondela into the peaceful forest, the sound of bagpipes calling us towards Pontevedra. Joining the spiritual route we arrived at the Monasterio de Poio tired and elated after a 30km day.
After some serious climbing we finally reached the top of the hill and enjoyed a nice casual walk into Redondela. Lots of pilgrims on the road, many left without accommodation. Make sure you book ahead.
Read this in my John Brierley camino guide. I hope you enjoy the read.
https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Camino-Path-Awakening/dp/1844094650
The Inner Camino …. Many traditions celebrate the day we were borne, others mourn the day we separate from our Divine Origin and chose to take a detour into fear. Many religions disguise this decision by proclaiming we were banished from heaven; others claim we became so enamoured with our delusional drama that we forgot our heavenly Source. We need to remember why we came here before we can choose to go Home. Life is a classroom and we need to learn the lesson, live the Answer and leave.
The Garuda is a mythical bird; born fully grown symbolising the perfection of our essential nature, it is ready to fly Home as soon as our shell cracks open. The mythical Bali Ha’i (your own special island) lies over the horizon but is not found by death, but by choice. Reference to John Brieley book - Camino guides
Leaving the Hospederia we walked through a quaint village leading us onto a woodland path until the big city. Once in the city, we decide to stick closer to the coastline; best decision as we saw a many large cruise ships in the harbour visiting for the day, fancy wancy rich folk cruisers and many boats.
Vigo is a big, vibrant and a beautiful city that comes alive after 8 pm, it has some incredibly interesting statues and some very good looking buildings.
An absolute stunning walk today. Started off with a boat taxi that took us from Caminha to A Guarda - Spain. We then walked the entire day hugging the breathtaking coastline of Spain. What an amazing day! 🌸. Today’s walk was 23km.
Started the day in Fão meandering through villages, conquering forests and finally crossing the bridge into Viana do Castelo. Finishing a rewarding 30km with sundowners at Monte da Santa Luzia. Cheers!
An early start from Vila do Conde to Fão. It rained most of the way, but it wasn’t cold. An enjoyable walk in the rain. Today’s walk was 26km.
I have been asked on many occasions by my clients if there is a chance that they may be able to attend a Botafumeiro Ceremony.
Nowadays, the Cathedral authorities fund the use of the Botafumeiro on the Roman Catholic Holy Days and feast days. At ALL OTHER TIMES, the use of the Botafumeiro is by paid subscription.
Sadly, a limited number of men are available to participate in the Botafumeiro ceremony. Once upon a time, the Cathedral reached over to the adjacent Seminario San Martin Pinario to obtain the needed manpower from the seminarians or other religious persons living there. But times have changed. These secular men must be scheduled in advance and compensated for their efforts. Eight trained men are required for each incidence of the Botafumeiro ceremony.
The Botafumeiro ceremony has been part of the Mass at the Cathedral for about 1,000 years. In fact, the Cathedral authorities have adapted as best they can to the social and economic realities to keep this historical ceremony alive.
Essentially, when a group or individual wants to ensure that the Botafumeiro is used at a Mass that their group plans to attend, they contact the Pilgrim Office well in advance to make the arrangements. I believe that if a group requests and pays for this ceremony, they also receive reserved seating in one of the side apses adjacent to the altar to get a good view of the ceremony.
As July and August are months with many pilgrim groups doing the Camino, the schedule is relatively packed with paid requests to use the Botafumeiro at many more Masses than usual.
I have been fortunate to see this on several occasions. In my opinion, everyone visiting Santiago de Compostela should experience the Botafumeiro at least once.