Yesterday evening, I spent quite a bit of time simply wandering around the town enjoying the ambience. Because I knew that there was all day adoration at the Pilgrim Church, I arrived early in the hope of catching Benediction. As it turns out, I got to pray eveing prayer in Spanish for the first time. The opening psalm was the 23rd psalm, so I was able to follow along quite effortlessly. Benediction was an absolute treat - except that the priest kept looking at his watch because he was running late!
Most evenings, I have been able to follow along with the Mass using an App on my phone. If I read along in spanish, I understand most of it (and I have read most of the readings a dozen times or more). Last night was different, and a blessing. It was the feast day of Our Lady of Hope, the title under which Our Lady is Patroness of Legrono. The Mass and homily were very nice, as was the pilgrim blessing at the end, and the opportunity for a special prayer in front of their statue of Our Lady of Hope.
This morning, I woke up super early (several times). Even though my body was refreshed, I really felt like rolling over and going back to sleep. Just a day's pause and I was out of the routine of getting up and going. So, it was a bit of force of will which dragged me from my bed and got me ready for the 28 kms which lay ahead.
I left at 5.30am, while it was still dark. Even though I had scoped out the exit route from the city, the going was not easy. I followed faint yellow or red arrows painted on the ground. I'm not even sure if I was walking the real path. I wandered through very industrial territory, looking for the way. I was delighted to finally find the true path.
Not long out of town, I finally entered a beautiful parkland: natural paths, beautiful trees, and eventually a lake. Unfortunately, most of the day was on bitumen. This is, of course, very hard on the feet. Even so, I found most of the day really good going. Considering how hard the previous day's journey was, it was nice not to experience hell on earth this day.
As I walked along, I came across an American woman who was walking the Camino with her two children, a ten year old boy and eight year old girl. I'm sure that there are extra graces for journeying with two children - can you imagine how many times she has to hear the words "are we there yet?" I also bumped into an australian lady whom I have encountered a few times on the way.
Having had a day off, many from my "wave" of pilgrims have moved on. But, some others have walked slightly shorter days and so I have seen them again. This has provided some nice conversation. It's also nice to meet a new group of people heading on to the next place.
I have enjoyed a lovely chorizo bun and a mushroom bun - together with a refreshing beverage. TIme to rest for a while before exploring the town.
Hasta la vista.
No comments:
Post a Comment