We made it! Last night we arrived at Monte de Gozo, the massive pilgrim centre about 6 kms from Santiago de Compostella. From here we began our walk (march) into the city and to the cathedral of Santiago. As a group we wore our Redemptorist Missionary Vocation blue t-shirts, and one of the group was in his Redemptorist habit, so we looked like a fine gang of people. As we walked into Santiago de Compostella we could see the people giving us a second look, wondering who on earth we were. This shouldn't surprise us as we were every age range from 82 years young down to 23 years old. We were a group of men and women, young and old, but all with one thing in common, we all are praying for vocations to the Redemptorists. 

 

As we approached the cathedral we all walked close by one another and the oldest member of our group led the procession into the square in front of the cathedral. It was a joy to be standing there just taking in the sights, knowing that we had finally arrived after our pilgrim way! 

The cathedral is a magnificent sight,  although it had scaffolding up the left tower, nonetheless this did not take away the grandeur of this holy place. We were greeted by John Rafferty, once the organist in Clapham, now a worker in the cathedral, and were escorted to our seats right in front of the high altar! Our seats were wonderful and together as a group we felt so blessed. 

 

Our seven priests went to join the other priests in the sacristy to prepare for mass. When they came out during the opening hymn we saw that one of our priests was one of the main celebrants, we knew this because he and only two others of the 19 priest had red chasubles on.

 

Mass began and was celebrated mainly in Spanish, with some of the parts of the mass sung in Latin and one word in English, which was "welcome" directed to us! During the Liturgy of the Word, a member of our group did the first reading so beautifully. As a group we all sat and realised how blessed we have been and are as a group.

 

Nearing the end of the mass it was the time when the botafumeiro (the massive thurible that takes 7 men to operate) was swung! As it was lowered from the ceiling the three priests with the red  chasubles came around and stood in front of the thurible to put the incense in. Three very large spoonfuls were put in on top of the charcoals (one spoonful was put in by one of our priests!) and so prepared it was hoisted high above our heads and swung from one side on the cathedral to another. This was a moving experience, which left many in tears, as they watched this spectacle and listened to the organ as it blasted musically the hymn to St. James, Santiago. 

 

During the liturgy it certainly was an experience of Eucharist for each one of us, a graced time to thank God for all that we are and have and will be! Our prayers were offered for all of you following us on the internet, and all our confreres, families, friends, co workers, benefactors, parishioners, and prospective vocations. You were all there in Santiago with us and were held in prayer.

 

Photos of the trip will follow!