“We went to the pilgrim mass yesterday when we
arrived, and it was a fantastic and moving experience but without Spanish I
could only participate in my head. So to be able to go to the English mass this
morning was absolutely lovely. The priest asked us all to introduce ourselves
by name, where we were from and where we had walked from, and it was wonderful
to hear so many different voices - American, Canadian, Irish, a few of us
Brits, Dutch, Mexican - and a guy who lives just across the road
And it was
very special indeed to have the Pilgrim Blessing in English. Thanks to everyone
involved in organising it.”
“I loved hearing the Pilgrim Blessing, as well as
the Scriptures, read in Father Joe's soft Irish accent. He made us feel very
welcome and a part of things the entire service. Definitely a highlight of the
day.”
“I stayed in SdC for four days after completing the
Caminho portugues last week, and attending the 10:30am English mass became a
vital part of my daily routine. I found the liturgy to be reverent and
prayerful, and Father Joe and Father Juan Carlos gave thoughtful homilies that
spoke directly to our experience as pilgrims. It was a true blessing to be able
to take part.”
“I went to the English mass this morning, and it was
a real highlight of my Camino. Thank you, Camino chaplaincy, for the vibrant
and meaningful service.”
These are just some of
the comments the Camino Chaplaincy has received during this year.
7000 attend Chaplaincy Services
Last Friday the 16th the last Mass of the Chaplaincy
season took place in the “English” Chapel in the Cathedral. The Chaplain Fr Joe
presided and he was joined by Fr Juan Carlos and Fr Tony O’Riordon SJ. Fr Juan
Carlos lives in Santiago and was the locum priest on Wednesdays to give Fr Joe
a day off. Tony is a friend of Joe’s who came out in June to give him a break.
The last Mass was the
140th provided in the Chapel. In addition, during May, June, July
and August we provided 86 Evening Services. From our experience over the last
two years we now know that the numbers of English speaking pilgrims arriving
drops considerably in August hence our decision to stop Evening Services at the
end of August.
In total 6,500 people
attended our services in the Chapel and approximately 500 attended the Masses
provided by Chaplaincy priests in the 5 week outreach pilot.
There were 8
volunteer Chaplaincy Assistants and this number included two married couples.
Both couples served for one month each, two volunteers served for three weeks
and two for two weeks.
Bishop Ralph who spent a
week with us has agreed to become President of the Camino Chaplaincy and he is
currently writing to Cardinal Vincent Nichols the President of the Conference
of Bishops of England and Wales and Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Primate of All
Ireland regarding the future development of the Chaplaincy.
Sadness and Joy
During the season we were
informed about 6 pilgrims who had died on the Camino including the tragic case
of Denise Theim. Mass and prayers were offered for all of them. In one case we
were able to support the family of a pilgrim who died in Santiago.
The family of another
pilgrim who died in Sarria asked for our support when they visited to scatter
their Dad’s ashes. Whilst not religious they were very pleased that Mass was
offered for their father and the pilgrims present embraced them in solidarity.
It seems between 6 and 10
pilgrims from English speaking countries die on the Camino every year and so we
are discussing how best to make them aware of the Chaplaincy and the support we
can offer. As well as the country associations we will also make Embassies aware
of our services.
We continue to remember
those pilgrims who died:
Hugh
Dennis
Dennis
Richard
Andrea
Denise
Ian
Eternal rest grant unto
them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.
In contrast there was
great joy when Jakki and Matthew from California arrived to be married by Fr
Joe at the end of their Camino. We had been in correspondence for some months
to arrange everything as required by the Church and the law in Spain.
Fellowship
We are very grateful to
Sisters Marion and Katherine FCJ of the Camino Companions who with a
representative of the Pilgrim House invited those attending mass to go for
coffee afterwards. This proved a popular opportunity for pilgrims to share
their experiences.
The Pilgrims’ House offers a range of services for pilgrims arriving in Santiago.
The Camino Companions offer a listening service for pilgrims and provide an opportunity for them to
share with each other.
The future – Priests needed!
We are delighted that Fr
Joe has agreed to return next year and currently we are in correspondence with
a number of other priests who are interested in helping.
An ambition would be to
develop a ministry in Sarria where we would offer a Pilgrims Mass and Blessing
and an invitation to visit the Chaplaincy 100 kms later in Santiago!
 |
| Fr Alan outside of the church in Moratinos |
We would also like to
continue with the ministry in Moratinos and Terradillo de los Templarios and we
particularly welcome enquiries from priests who in addition to English can say
Mass Spanish for the local pueblo.
Contact: caminochaplaincy@gmail.com
My name is David Kitchen. My brother was Rowland Ian Kitchen who died near Sarria, in September. A friend of Ian's passed on this report. I had been wondering how to get in touch and say thank you to yourselves and to Johnny Walker who gave Ian's eulogy in the service. Like Ian I am not religious but would like you to accept my gratitude of what you did.. Best regards, David
ReplyDeleteThe English Mass was a wonderful way to end our third Camino together. Previous times we had attended the mid-day Pilgrims' Mass but wanted this time to be special in a different way , and it was. We also attended the Evening Prayer and received our shells.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear that the Chaplaincy work is to continue and expand.
God bless you all