Today was an absolutely beautiful day.
Besides beautiful weather, it was filled with beautiful moments of rest, reflection and relationship.
First, the rest.
To begin with, we slept in. A luxury we only had once in the last 17 days as each day we had to have our luggage ready for transport by 8am, so not having to jump right out or bed and pack up suitcases or bike panniers was a beautiful way to enter into Sabbath rest.
Next, we wandered up to a small cafe for a little desayuno (breakfast) with coffee for Paul and Coca Cacoa (hot chocolate) for me, plus a pan au chocolate croissant for each of us.
We then began to leisurely make our way through the old town of Santiago.
This part of the city surrounds the Cathedral for blocks and is filled with tons of cafes, restaurants, and shops—all different and similar at the same time.
We tended to our shopping for family and friends as we made our way towards the Chapel for Pilgrims.
At the Chapel, we took time for reflection.
We reflected upon our pilgrimage during the last two weeks (more on those reflections and insights in the days and weeks to come), and also to give thanks for all of the many graces we had received throughout our journey.
We also placed the stones that we had carried with us at a pilgrim altar near the last crucero cross marking the end of the Camino.
From there we went to spend some time in relationship as we had lunch with a new friend from our Camino journey.
And then it was time to spend time with San Santiago.
We returned to the Cathedral and went to visit Saint James’ tomb. As we did, we intentionally placed all of you and your intentions at his tomb as we asked for his intercession for all of the needs and desires of our hearts.
After spending time at the tomb, we went and spent time with our Lord in the Adoration Chapel within the Cathedral as Adoration was offered throughout the day as the Feast of Corpus Christi is being celebrated.
And then it was time for the last Camino pilgrim “tradition” of taking a picture of yourself in front of the great botafumeiro (censor) that hangs in the Cathedral.
All in all, a perfect Sabbath day indeed, and definitely a beautiful way to conclude our pilgrimage.
Prayers that you are enjoying a Sabbath day that is full of rest, reflection and relationship, too.
We head home tomorrow, but I look forward to seeing you all soon here and on both the Say Yes to Holiness podcast and YouTube channel where I will be sharing more about this journey.
Because the Way of the Camino doesn’t end simply because you aren’t walking towards Santiago. 😉
But more on that in the days ahead…
Buen Camino!
Say Yes to Holiness 