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Catholic albergues and spots

CaminoLars

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Future Frances: August & September 2022
Aside from the obvious, what are some unmissable albergues or experiences for Catholics? Are there any retreat spots along the way?

As an example, I missed out on Zabaldika, but I wish I would have known about the sisters of the sacred heart and their albergue. They seem to be a bit off the radar.
 
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RCs interested in monastic life would of course appreciate the Cistercians in Cóbreces and in Sobrado dos Monxes on the del Norte. The True Cross can be found at the Friary in Liebana, near Potes, on the Vadiniense (accesible by a bus-ride to Potes from San Vicente de la Barquera on the del Norte). Also on the Vadieniese, but just 14km north of Mansilla las Mulas on the Frances, is the ancient church of San Miguel de Escalada, the architecture of which shows how worship took place in the first millennium. And then there's the abbbey of Silos, just south of Burgos by a bus ride. The del Norte also features the legendary albergue of Guemes, run by Fr (name forgotten).

But frankly they might get more out of the small pueblo churches at evening services along the way. It really depends what they're looking for.
 
The del Norte also features the legendary albergue of Guemes, run by Fr (name forgotten).
Father Ernesto

I am not Catholic; but we pilgrims were all very welcome. I never ‘picked up’ on ‘Catholic only’ however memory fades.
My memories are getting vague on the Norte (2014 for me ) - There was a physio there in Guemes when I stayed . I needed treatment on my ankle, (swelling & throbbing )after a fall a couple of days earlier etc.
Physio was also donativo-
—to me , payment meant same as a physio in Australia ! - but it’s meant to be ‘up to ability to pay/or not, of the pilgrim/patient.’)
 
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The cathedral at Oviedo is reputed to have the Sudarium...the cloth that covered the face of Jesus at his burial. They are reputed to display it 3 timed during the year, with 14 and 21 September being 2 of them . ( Which is why I'm hoping to start the Primitivo on Sep 14th or 15th, 2023.

During July of 2021, many of the churches and chapels that Brierly recommends between Sarria and Santiago were closed, including Vilar de Donas.
 
In San Juan de Ortega, you can attend Mass sitting next to the villa’s namesake as his remains are entombed in a large stone crypt inside the church.

Logroño has a parochial (church run albergue) which is pretty plain, but after dinner the church volunteers will lead you through some hidden passageways to emerge into the closed church for a private prayer session.

Male pilgrims can stay with the monks at the Leyre monastery on the Camino Aragones.

There is a convent in Rabe de las Calzadas that allows pilgrims to join them for evening prayers and don’t forget the singing nuns of Carrion de Los Condos

Plus attending Mass in a variety of cathedrals, remote churches, and tiny chapels is pretty darn cool!
 
Aside from the obvious, what are some unmissable albergues or experiences for Catholics? Are there any retreat spots along the way?

As an example, I missed out on Zabaldika, but I wish I would have known about the sisters of the sacred heart and their albergue. They seem to be a bit off the radar.
This is a good question for rappahannock_rev.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Aside from the obvious, what are some unmissable albergues or experiences for Catholics? Are there any retreat spots along the way?

As an example, I missed out on Zabaldika, but I wish I would have known about the sisters of the sacred heart and their albergue. They seem to be a bit off the radar.
[/QUOTE]

Hallo Lars
The Benedictine Monesterio San Salvador
Monte Irago in the Centre of Rabanal del Camino has a small albergue with 4 rooms.Pilgrims can stay ,on retreat ,here for a minimum of 3 days and up to a maximum of 4 days.
The website is monteirago.org and email address monteirago@gmail.com.
 
When I walked the FC back in 2016, I stayed at the 6th Century Samos monastery, which is right before Sarria. You can also get a tour of the monastery.
 
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The cathedral at Oviedo is reputed to have the Sudarium...the cloth that covered the face of Jesus at his burial. They are reputed to display it 3 timed during the year, with 14 and 21 September being 2 of them . ( Which is why I'm hoping to start the Primitivo on Sep 14th or 15th, 2023.

During July of 2021, many of the churches and chapels that Brierly recommends between Sarria and Santiago were closed, including Vilar de Donas.
There is a replica of the cloth is always on display. I was in Oviedo in Sept. 2021 for the display of the real one. It was very moving the way it was processed into the sanctuary. Get there early and there will be chairs on the right side of the alter. You will be very close. It was an amazing experience for me.
 
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Aside from the obvious, what are some unmissable albergues or experiences for Catholics? Are there any retreat spots along the way?

As an example, I missed out on Zabaldika, but I wish I would have known about the sisters of the sacred heart and their albergue. They seem to be a bit off the radar.
Thank you so much for asking this question. I am starting CF on August 30th, and hoping for a very spiritual camino. I appreciate all of the information.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

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Also the benedictine albergue in Leon (Carbajalas). You can attend Mass in the evenings with the sisters. I thought that I had missed Zabadilka on the CF back in 2016, but after looking at my stamps, I did stop there for one night, lol.
 
Viana at the parochial has a meditation and also used to have a pilgrim mass.
Granon has a meditation usually has a pilgrim mass in the evening (except on Sunday when regular Mass is in the morning)
Burgos has a pilgrim mass
Carrion de los Condes has several convents and opportunities for Mass, Vespers, etc.
 
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The Benedictine monasery in Rabanal del Camino. Must stay at least 2 nights, but 3 nights are available. Meals with the monks, with the midday meal eaten in silence.
 
The Benedictine monasery in Rabanal del Camino. Must stay at least 2 nights, but 3 nights are available. Meals with the monks, with the midday meal eaten in silence.

There is another option on their website which refers to guests who can stay for a minimum of 3 nights and up to a maximum of 7.They are invited to make a voluntary donation.I posted this earlier but made an error regarding the maximum number of days you can stay.
 
I'm an atheist but very interested in history and there were a few places that really stood out.

As a few have said, Oviedo cathedral. The Camara Sancta is definitely worth visiting. The upper part may be of interest as it's where the relics are kept on display but I preferred the simpler downstairs section. I didn't particularly enjoy the cathedral itself but I liked the Camara Sancta. There was an interesting exhibition on the Sudarium and the Turin Shroud outside the cathedral when I was there but I think that was a touring display so probably long gone.

Also in Oviedo, the religious complex (and former palace) of Naranco is beautiful and a very peaceful place to spend some time. The frescoes at the church of San Julian de los Prados are stunning. There are a few other very ancient churches on the Camino del Salvador on the way to Oviedo too. The one in Ujo is beautiful. Santa Cristina de Lena, too.

If you happen to be flying into/out of Madrid and have some time to spare then take the train to Toledo. It's only about 30 minutes away. It's filled with stunning religious architecture of various eras going right back to Visigothic. I believe the cathedral is one of the few places that still regularly holds a Mozarabic mass that dates back to the Visigothic tradition.
 
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I'm an atheist but very interested in history and there were a few places that really stood out.

As a few have said, Oviedo cathedral. The Camara Sancta is definitely worth visiting. The upper part may be of interest as it's where the relics are kept on display but I preferred the simpler downstairs section. I didn't particularly enjoy the cathedral itself but I liked the Camara Sancta. There was an interesting exhibition on the Sudarium and the Turin Shroud outside the cathedral when I was there but I think that was a touring display so probably long gone.

Also in Oviedo, the religious complex (and former palace) of Naranco is beautiful and a very peaceful place to spend some time. The frescoes at the church of San Julian de los Prados are stunning. There are a few other very ancient churches on the Camino del Salvador on the way to Oviedo too. The one in Ujo is beautiful. Santa Cristina de Lena, too.

If you happen to be flying into/out of Madrid and have some time to spare then take the train to Toledo. It's only about 30 minutes away. It's filled with stunning religious architecture of various eras going right back to Visigothic. I believe the cathedral is one of the few places that still regularly holds a Mozarabic mass that dates back to the Visigothic tradition.

Yes, Toledo is fantastic. I am flying out of Madrid but won’t be able to see Toledo, however I’ve been before. Did you by chance come across any Mozarabic masses along the Camino Frances? I’ve been on the look out for that in particular.
 
The church at Eunate was a highlight for me. It's a short detour off the Camino Francés. It wasn't open to the public according to the posted hours in the nearby town, but we walked there anyway figuring we could at least see the outside. It turned out that on the day we were there, the caretakers opened a back door to pilgrims with passports to stamp. Not sure if this happens every day.


Another highight was an ermitage (tiny church) where a woman from the Sisters of the Camino (?) gave me a small Miraculous Medal on a thread and a blessing. I can't remember where it was but maybe others can? It's one of my Camino treasures. The place didn't look like much so not everyone stopped but by then, I knew that the small churches were the most peaceful for a prayer break.

The Pilgrims' Masses in Puente La Reina and Hornillos del Camino were especially lovely, with priests who were welcoming. And even if you don't stay with the Augustinian Sisters in Carrión de los Condes, you can join them for singing and then a short walk to the Pilgrim's Mass there.
 
Yes, Toledo is fantastic. I am flying out of Madrid but won’t be able to see Toledo, however I’ve been before. Did you by chance come across any Mozarabic masses along the Camino Frances? I’ve been on the look out for that in particular.
Sorry, it wasn't something I was really paying attention to at the time. Wikipedia suggests it's not really observed outside Toledo other than at the Poor Clares monastery in Madrid on a Tuesday and occasionally in Salamanca.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Another highight was an ermitage (tiny church) where a woman from the Sisters of the Camino (?) gave me a small Miraculous Medal on a thread and a blessing.
That is in Rabe de las Calzadas - across the way from that church is their convent (mentioned previously) where you can join them for vespers. (That was pre-Covid, so it may have changed given that most of the sisters were of advanced age)
 
San Nicolas de Puente Fitero. Mass with foot washing, Italian dinner, sleeping in the Sancturary by candlelight. In my case, I slept on top a crypt in the Sanctuary. A great experience!


-Paul
 
Cann
San Nicolas de Puente Fitero. Mass with
San Nicolas de Puente Fitero. Mass with foot washing, Italian dinner, sleeping in the Sancturary by candlelight. In my case, I slept on top a crypt in the Sanctuary. A great experience!


-Paul
Can you offer some More context? Is this on the traditional CF route or must one deviate from the guides?
 
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Yes, Toledo is fantastic. I am flying out of Madrid but won’t be able to see Toledo, however I’ve been before. Did you by chance come across any Mozarabic masses along the Camino Frances? I’ve been on the look out for that in particular.

I posted on the Forum four years ago on December 21, 2018, on this thread: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/traditional-masses.23682/ . It took me a lot of googling to get this far-- I tried again tonight and managed even less. If you go off-piste and are lucky in your timing, I believe that the Moazarabic gem of the church of San Miguel de Escalada (about 14km north of Mansilla las Mulas) or to Palencia, you might be fortunate.
 
Anyone who would like to visit Eunate this coming Monday, it will be open. I am not sure of the hours. It is so worthwhile to visit - and for weary pilgrims, the best news is that you do not need to retrace your steps to Muruzabal, as you pick up on the Aragones towards Puente la Reina.
Last week in Zabaldika a young French woman asked if she would be allowed to sing. Of course, of course! The plastic cd was hushed and a true Gregorian hymn silenced everyone (there were about 20 people visiting) as we were treated to her gift to us. One of those special moments, you can't book them ahead!
Here is a website for Eunate.
 
Are t
Sorry, it wasn't something I was really paying attention to at the time. Wikipedia suggests it's not really observed outside Toledo other than at the Poor Clares monastery in Madrid on a Tuesday and occasionally in Salamanca.
Are the Poor Clares you reference located at 28370, C. de Abapies, 37, 28370 Chinchón, Madrid, Spain?
 
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Anyone who would like to visit Eunate this coming Monday, it will be open. I am not sure of the hours. It is so worthwhile to visit - and for weary pilgrims, the best news is that you do not need to retrace your steps to Muruzabal, as you pick up on the Aragones towards Puente la Reina.
Last week in Zabaldika a young French woman asked if she would be allowed to sing. Of course, of course! The plastic cd was hushed and a true Gregorian hymn silenced everyone (there were about 20 people visiting) as we were treated to her gift to us. One of those special moments, you can't book them ahead!
Here is a website for Eunate.
kirkie,
What wonderful news this is that Eunate will be open on this very special feast day, August 15.
Thank you for sharing the news.
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Can you offer some More context? Is this on the traditional CF route or must one deviate from the guides?

The Camino Frances goes right by the front door of San Nicolas de Puente Fitero. It is located in the meseta in the middles of one the Briarley stages. There is a strict limit of 15-20 people. Co-ed facilities are located in a separate building with 5 sinks, 5 toilets and 5 showers. Mass dependent on Priest availability.

The Mass and foot washing ceremony was filmed in the movie, "Walking the Camino: Six ways to Santiago".


-Paul
 
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Aside from the obvious, what are some unmissable albergues or experiences for Catholics? Are there any retreat spots along the way?

As an example, I missed out on Zabaldika, but I wish I would have known about the sisters of the sacred heart and their albergue. They seem to be a bit off the radar.
The village of Villamayor de Monjardín is proud of their very simple twelfth century church building. When I was hospitalero there, there was an old man who unlocked it early on most mornings—but it was unpredictable when he wouldn't. By contrast, the one in Los Arcos was so gaudy inside that (for me) it was depressing. Also depressing was the quantity of whatever on everything. Made the artwork look like underexposed photos. On the entry door was a sign saying "Shh! It's a church!" But inside, there was a loud conversation in Spanish by locals, right in the center of the room.

Near Estella, there is a small octagonal church that is well worth the small detour. Unfortunately, I don't recall the name, but I'm sure someone will tell us.

I chuckled at the big Bible near the door in Villamayor de Monjardín. Printed on the cover was "BIBLE OF NAVARRA. ONLY FOR READING IN CHURCHES" (in Spanish of course). Every time I saw it, the first thing that popped into my mind was "Don't try this at home."
 
I did the CF in 2016. One of my favourite stops was a tiny place where there was a visiting priest from the UK. He said on his holidays he celebrates Mass at different spots on Camino. My next Camino I plan to make more of an effort to get to Mass more often, but last time my co pilgrims were less interested. You can make it as spiritual as you would like. If my memory is correct, we were given a list of Catholic Mass times in SJPdP. We didn't think we needed to save it because we figured it would be easy enough to find. Next time I will save it for sure!
 
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There is a replica of the cloth is always on display. I was in Oviedo in Sept. 2021 for the display of the real one. It was very moving the way it was processed into the sanctuary. Get there early and there will be chairs on the right side of the alter. You will be very close. It was an amazing experience for me.
I think that this year it will be on display each day between 14th and 21st. I would like to see it on the 15th before starting the Primitivo. Presumably it is displayed during Mass. I would like to know at what time of the day..not clear to me from Cathedral website, (not having Spanish)
 
Hi… I sent this message to another person. Here is what I remember and figured out from my pictures.

Hi… went back to my photos and they are time stamped 6:00 to 7:30 pm. That refreshed my memory` that there is a special mass at 5 or 6 pm. At the Mass there were Bishops and lots of special guests. Another video of the procession is at 7:19 pm on September 14, 2021. I remember taking the tour the day before and I believe there was a poster advertising the Mass. Again, I got there early and could not believe I walked right up to the side of the alter and there were seats. I thought that I might get asked to leave but many others came and took seats. They had special guards that looked very serious about keeping folks away. I was going to post the video, but it is too large.

Hope this helps and enjoy!
 
Hi… I sent this message to another person. Here is what I remember and figured out from my pictures.

Hi… went back to my photos and they are time stamped 6:00 to 7:30 pm. That refreshed my memory` that there is a special mass at 5 or 6 pm. At the Mass there were Bishops and lots of special guests. Another video of the procession is at 7:19 pm on September 14, 2021. I remember taking the tour the day before and I believe there was a poster advertising the Mass. Again, I got there early and could not believe I walked right up to the side of the alter and there were seats. I thought that I might get asked to leave but many others came and took seats. They had special guards that looked very serious about keeping folks away. I was going to post the video, but it is too large.

Hope this helps and enjoy!
Thanks Jim for your helpful reply
 
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