Today, we had a beautiful ride to Melide.
The morning began with heavy fog in and around Ligonde but it eventually lifted. In the process, we crossed 4 different river valleys, so although we had several long climbs, we also had the benefit of the descents! 😁
After our arrival in Melide, we checked into our lovely hotel and then headed out to explore.
In the midst of our explorations, we came across the Chapel of San Pedro and San Roque, had the chance to venerate a relic of St Peter himself, and saw the 14th century Crucero de Melide—oldest one in Galicia.
But the most unexpected and beautiful moment for us was when we went into the small Chapel of San Antonio. It was founded in 1671, and inside we were surprised to see an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe above the altar!
Until that moment, it has been easy to forget that all the Spanish explorers and soldiers who had gone to serve in the New World after 1531 would have encountered Our Lady there, and of course, she would have inspired devotion that they would have brought back to Spain with them.
For me though, it was the reminder of how Our Lady has been watching over us throughout our pilgrimage.
Some examples:
- Despite the weather forecasts, we have been blessed with not being caught out on the Camino in the rain;
- Each of our stops has been grace-filled—with both the people we have met and with the natural beauty that has surrounded is;
- The extraordinary opportunity to participate in Mass in both ancient and awe-inspiring locations in Ponferrada, O’Cebreiro and Portamarin
Very simply, there is NO way that this pilgrimage is a result of only human efforts.
But just in case we might be tempted to think otherwise, Our Lady used our explorations today to gently remind us of the fact that it is her Som who is in charge, and not us.
So, that is what I plan to reflect upon tomorrow during our rest day here tomorrow before we do our final days of riding into Santiago de Compostela by the weekend.
But you know what they say about plans, right? 😉
Until tomorrow, know of my prayers for each of you through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows, and Buen Camino!
Say Yes to Holiness 