Camino Chaplaincy
“The Lord is
compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy” (Ps 102)
Introduction – the story so far
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| +Ralph from the Chaplaincy |
2015 in Santiago
This year Fr Joe O’Cochlain from Cork who was with us in 2014 will take up the reins as full time Chaplain in the Cathedral of Santiago from
May until October. Fr Joe is an experienced pilgrim and has been awarded the Compostela various
times. Fr Joe’s studies included time in Salamanca, Madrid and Ireland. He is a
qualified and experienced Spiritual Director. He holds a first degree in Celtic
Studies as well as a BD. His higher qualifications include an MSc in
Management, a Higher Diploma in Education and a Diploma in the History of
European Art.
Fr Joe served in parish ministry for many years as well as being the
Chaplain to University College Cork for 10 years and Diocesan Education
Secretary. Fr Joe is fluent in Irish about which he is passionate. He is also
fluent in English and Spanish and is also comfortable saying Mass in French,
Italian and German.
The Chaplaincy plans to provide a Mass in the morning and one in the early
evening for pilgrims who arrive in the afternoon. Each month there will be a
one day spiritual retreat for pilgrims and the Chaplain will also be available
each day for confession and individual conversations. There will be an opportunity
for pilgrims to meet for coffee after the morning Masses.
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| John and Robin Piggott |
In addition to Fr Joe we welcome Fr Juan Carlos who will say Mass on
Wednesdays to give the chaplain a day off. We also welcome a small group of
Pastoral Workers who will assist the chaplaincy this season. The first of these
are John and Robin Piggott from the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon who will
serve for a month. Very experienced pilgrims they have recently completed the
Ignation Way,the route which Saint Ignatius followed from Loyola to Manresa in
Spain.
2015 – Outreach on
the Camino – Priests needed!
As well as providing a ministry in Santiago we have also
been thinking about how we can provide a service to pilgrims whilst they are journeying
towards Santiago. In the rural areas of the Camino there is a serious shortage
of priests and as a result many churches remain closed and Mass is provided
infrequently.
One such place is the village of Moratinos in Palencia. It
lies 9 kms from Sahagún and is situated almost in the middle of the Camino
Francés. Although there are only 21 permanent residents Moratinos now boasts an
albergue, an hotel, a restaurant and a bar. However the village church no
longer has a priest to say Mass every day.
We would like to run an outreach project this summer
providing a ministry in Moratinos not only to the local community but also to
the 200,000 pilgrims who literally walk past the door of the church.
Moratinos is very accessible as Sahagún is only 2 hours from
Madrid by train. The area has many places of interest and excellent walks.
We would like to invite any priest who may be interested to
volunteer for this placement. Accommodation and subsistence will be provided.
The duties are to provide daily Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to
be available to meet pilgrims usually in the evenings.
If you wish to volunteer or want further information please
get in touch with me.
Buen Camino
John
John Rafferty
Coordinator
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