Priest walking Camino in May--couple Q's

[el padre]

I am leaving from Ponferrada around May 20th by myself and then meeting up about 25 others on the 26th. I have a couple simple questions:

1) are there any other priests on the forum that could help me out?

2) do I need an alb? Obviously trying to pack as little as possible.

3) what is the ease of getting into churches and being able to offer Mass?

4) should I pack a small chalice and bring hosts as well?

 

[grayland]

Hopefully, you will get some replies from fellow priests. There are several on the forum.
Most report being able to celebrate Mass along the way.

I hope all 25 of your group don't plan on showing up at albergues at the same times.

 

[jeffnd]

I don't have any advice for you. I didn't meet any pilgrim priests on the Camino. (Sadly.)

However, I did hear of a Korean priest who insisted on saying Mass everyday, going so far as to bully someone to unlock a church just for him. I would advise against such tactics.

 

[Angelo]

I am leaving from Ponferrada around May 20th by myself and then meeting up about 25 others on the 26th. I have a couple simple questions:

1) are there any other priests on the forum that could help me out?

2) do I need an alb? Obviously trying to pack as little as possible.

3) what is the ease of getting into churches and being able to offer Mass?

4) should I pack a small chalice and bring hosts as well?

Hi El Padre,

I had the privilege of walking with 3 American Catholic priests from Astorga all the way to Santiago. They sort of collectively decided that I was a good man, I suppose. So off we went.

Apart from a prayer book which they used for morning and evening prayers, they did not bring any thing else that I noticed. They held a Mass in Rabanal and concelebrated the midday Pilgrims mass in Santiago cathedral. Their vestments were provided for as far as I know.

Hope this helps.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hi

Best wishes for you your Camino. When you arrive in Santiago you are very welcome to concelebrate in the cathedral and at the twice daily Mass celebrated in English. You don't need to bring anything just report to the sacristy 15 minutes before the mass starts starts.

On the route if you find a church with mass they will welcome you and provide vestments. Carrying a current Celebret would be helpful in case they ask. Not every village has an open church nor a daily Mass - many priests in rural Spain have multiple parishes.

If you wish to say mass for the group and there is no open church the hospitalero in the Albergue may be able to help. Otherwise it is mass al fresco and of course in these cases you will need your own Mass kit.

Buen Camino

John

 

[Bajaracer]

I am leaving from Ponferrada around May 20th by myself and then meeting up about 25 others on the 26th. I have a couple simple questions:

1) are there any other priests on the forum that could help me out?

2) do I need an alb? Obviously trying to pack as little as possible.

3) what is the ease of getting into churches and being able to offer Mass?

4) should I pack a small chalice and bring hosts as well?

Here is a schedule of masses along the Camino.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zcf5zDxSIzv4.kExF_twLHLRg&msa=0

 

[newfydog]

No cheating Padre---the rest of us don't have such a direct line to divine intervention!

 

[Introibo]

"Insisted on saying Mass every day".
Whatever next!

 

[Offaly Rover]

Hello... I'm a priest (Irish)... I've only walked St. Jean-Logrono so far but as reported not every church in smaller places were open or staffed- so a prior arrangement would be necessary. I've tried the various diocesan websites- but contact details were patchy. Priests vary- but I'm quite happy to attend Mass and would never insist. I actually quite enjoy being ministered to by the local community when I attend their Church. Although I have to say with our group- the evening gathering gave people a chance to voice their experiences of the day. A Celibret is a must as stated- the plastic ID type is technically insufficient. You need a letter of accreditation from your Bishop or Superior.
I carry a miniature kit as in picture below.. It does weight 1kg admittedly.. I got it for €100 euro some years back... has lasted the pace. Mass set in mini suede case. This case comes with:
- small chalice in 2 pieces, the pedestal is an host box;
- host box;
- small paten;
- stole;
- small crucifix;
- linens;
Alb as you know is not totally necessary- stole is. I've seen some with a kind of halter Stole hanging centre of the body front and rear. I use the Universalis App for both Liturgy of the Hours and Mass so quite handy. Little snipe bottles of wine plentiful en route.

 

[SYates]

I am leaving from Ponferrada around May 20th by myself and then meeting up about 25 others on the 26th. I have a couple simple questions:

1) are there any other priests on the forum that could help me out?

2) do I need an alb? Obviously trying to pack as little as possible.

3) what is the ease of getting into churches and being able to offer Mass?

4) should I pack a small chalice and bring hosts as well?

1) Just an Anglican priests wife ;-)

2) Not really, you can pack a light weight travel alb and stole if you insist, but if you don't care if the alb fits perfectly, you will be provided by local parishes with what vestments are available ...

3) Very easy, just carry and show your celebrat card. If you are longer on the way, and if you are taking things very seriously, you might also want to carry a, translated, letter of recommendation of your diocesan bishop, but a valid celebrat normally is enough.

4) No, every Church or chapel on the Camino that offers Mass even only occasionally, has those.

Buen Camino and may I recommend also misas.org for finding churches on the Camino and bilingual missals to make your life easier? SY

 

[WalkingPadre]

Greetings, I’m a priest leaving to walk the Camino Frances in 10 days and stumbled on this thread looking for answers to the questions El Padre asked nine years ago. Thanks to all who responded.

I’m interested in a post-pandemic update. Things like: Are celebret cards still generally sufficient to concelebrate pilgrim Masses? Are albs most often available? Are small missalettes like Magnificat—in English or Spanish—available to purchase along the way? I’m finalizing my packing list and don’t want to carry things I won’t really need.

 

[Kirkie]

I suspect you ought to carry your celebret. I just looked it up, by the way, although I had guessed. (For others not in the know: a letter from the diocesan authority to give proof to a claim to being a priest).
Carry an alb? An alb doesn't a priest make! If you want a Magnificat booklet, get one before you set out. They are small and pliable to stuff into your backpack. Or download a mass booklet on your phone. Buen camino!