Pilgrim House and other places of Pilgrim Refuge

[lt56ny]

Hi All,

I will arrive in Santiago sometime near the end of October after the Camino del Norte. This will be the completion of Camino #4. I really like being in Santiago for only one reason and that is to see friends I have met and say goodbye for the moment. But it seems like it is getting more and more crowded and overwhelming for me each time I arrive and I find myself wanting to get out of Santiago. I also find that I have trouble processing my feelings of loss and sadness. I know I need to get back to family but I also have an even stronger urge to keep walking. The saying that the Camino starts in Santiago is so true. I have read about the Pilgrim House. It seems so inviting to me. Can anyone tell me their experience there. I have read that the Pilgrim Office also has services for souls like myself. I would also, if possible, like to check out SYates Egeria House as well as the Camino Chaplaincy. I have no idea of how much time I will have or where my soul and spirit will be when I walk into Santiago, I would just really like to hear people's experiences in any of these settings. It would really be interesting to me. I hope that those who went found comforted, companionship and clarity. I hope I can hear voices of pilgrims and maybe even more importantly the ears of pilgrims who will understand my words of confusion and loss. But there is a lot of joy too, there is just a lot of STUFF!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

You know when you've spent the day trudging around a big city? You want a nice, comfortable place to sit and stretch your legs? You don't want a stone wall or a park bench or yet another grande cafe con leche or a beer.

You just need to sit, in comfort and let out a big sigh.

You need, in short, the Pilgrim House.

 

[wayfarer]

The Pilgrim House is indeed a lovely place to visit and is run by Faith and Nate. Faith is a member on this forum and you could PM her for any information I'm sure. This is the website.
https://pilgrimhousesantiago.com/

 

[VNwalking]

I hope that those who went found comforted, companionship and clarity.

Yes!
All good, @lt56ny .
Whether it be Pilgrim House (@natefaith, and others), Egeria House (@SYates), the Camino Companions (and other places upstairs at the Pilgrim Office, depending on what language you speak)...there are many good and wise folks in Santiago willing to listen and who understand this most peculiar and 'interesting' of transitions.

Not to forget the English pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral at 10AM every day but Sunday; if you are not Catholic (I'm not), instead of receiving communion Fr Manny offers an individual and very moving blessing.

And there is this:

I completed my Camino last Thursday and went to the Pilgrim Office to collect my Compostela. It was 5pm so I went to the Taize prayer & songs in the chapel. It was beautiful and peaceful and a lovely way to end my Camino. The next morning I returned there at 10am for Camino Reflection. This was led sensitively by a Camino Companion & helped me process my experience. I’m sharing this as I don’t think pilgrims are aware of the services offered by volunteers in the Pilgrim Office. I certainly wasn’t aware before my visit but am so appreciative now.

 

[SYates]

Hi All,

... I would also, if possible, like to check out SYates Egeria House as well as the Camino Chaplaincy. ...

You are very welcome to come by any time! If it is outside of Open House hours, just drop me a PM and I will make sure to be at home. The Anglican Camino Chaplaincy finishes its second term the 23rd October, but I will be there ;-) More info here http://egeria.house

Not to forget the English pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral at 10AM every day but Sunday; ...

Slight correction: Monday to Friday at 10:00 but Saturday at 09:00 ;-)

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Dancing Rain]

I found that lots of time in the cathedral and being part of a 3 hr camino reflection with Katherine from Camino Companions was a deeply integrating time in Santiago. Spending a quiet, reflective week in Finisterre after this connected many special threads. I’m looking forward to participating in more Santiago experiences in the future

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

Hi All,

I will arrive in Santiago sometime near the end of October after the Camino del Norte. This will be the completion of Camino #4. I really like being in Santiago for only one reason and that is to see friends I have met and say goodbye for the moment. But it seems like it is getting more and more crowded and overwhelming for me each time I arrive and I find myself wanting to get out of Santiago. I also find that I have trouble processing my feelings of loss and sadness. I know I need to get back to family but I also have an even stronger urge to keep walking. The saying that the Camino starts in Santiago is so true. I have read about the Pilgrim House. It seems so inviting to me. Can anyone tell me their experience there. I have read that the Pilgrim Office also has services for souls like myself. I would also, if possible, like to check out SYates Egeria House as well as the Camino Chaplaincy. I have no idea of how much time I will have or where my soul and spirit will be when I walk into Santiago, I would just really like to hear people's experiences in any of these settings. It would really be interesting to me. I hope that those who went found comforted, companionship and clarity. I hope I can hear voices of pilgrims and maybe even more importantly the ears of pilgrims who will understand my words of confusion and loss. But there is a lot of joy too, there is just a lot of STUFF!

I also like the experience of reuniting with pilgrim friends and family in Santiago. I think the plaza in front of the cathedral must be one of the happiest - and saddest- places in the world. So, when I returned by bus alone to Santiago after walking the Camino Ingles and walking to Muxia, I felt sad because I realized I would not be seeing familiar smiling faces. So I went to the English mass at 10am and enjoyed helping the sisters who were assisting the mass. Then I stopped in at the Pilgrim House - just to see what it was- and ended up having a soothing cup of tea and a long, quiet conversation with a volunteer. Both experiences helped me complete my camino and begin the process of decompressing in a gentle, more reflective way.

 

[lt56ny]

You are very welcome to come by any time! If it is outside of Open House hours, just drop me a PM and I will make sure to be at home. The Anglican Camino Chaplaincy finishes its second term the 23rd October, but I will be there ;-) More info here http://egeria.house




Slight correction: Monday to Friday at 10:00 but Saturday at 09:00 ;-)

Buen Camino, SY

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I doubt if I will be in Santiago by the 23rd as I leave Irún on September 17. I will definitely come by when I arrive in Santiago to your home and Hopefully have an opportunity to meet and speak with you. Have a wonderful summer

 

[HalfDomeOrBust]

I also like the experience of reuniting with pilgrim friends and family in Santiago. I think the plaza in front of the cathedral must be one of the happiest - and saddest- places in the world. So, when I returned by bus alone to Santiago after walking the Camino Ingles and walking to Muxia, I felt sad because I realized I would not be seeing familiar smiling faces. So I went to the English mass at 10am and enjoyed helping the sisters who were assisting the mass. Then I stopped in at the Pilgrim House - just to see what it was- and ended up having a soothing cup of tea and a long, quiet conversation with a volunteer. Both experiences helped me complete my camino and begin the process of decompressing in a gentle, more reflective way.

Well said, likewise, we found that after returning back from Muxia to Santiago the square/cathedral was different then we had walked into upon completing our Camino. People and new found friends are so important.

 

[lt56ny]

I found that lots of time in the cathedral and being part of a 3 hr camino reflection with Katherine from Camino Companions was a deeply integrating time in Santiago. Spending a quiet, reflective week in Finisterre after this connected many special threads. I’m looking forward to participating in more Santiago experiences in the future

I am hoping to have time to walk to Finisterre and Muxia. It’s for the same reason that you stated about walking thanks a lot.

 

[lt56ny]

Yes!
All good, @lt56ny .
Whether it be Pilgrim House (@natefaith, and others), Egeria House (@SYates), the Camino Companions (and other places upstairs at the Pilgrim Office, depending on what language you speak)...there are many good and wise folks in Santiago willing to listen and who understand this most peculiar and 'interesting' of transitions.

Not to forget the English pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral at 10AM every day but Sunday; if you are not Catholic (I'm not), instead of receiving communion Fr Manny offers an individual and very moving blessing.

And there is this:

Thank you so much. I’m not Catholic and I never thought of going to the English language map thank you so much. I’m not Catholic and I never thought of going to the English language mass but that cathedral holds a very very special place in my heart. I think I will definitely go thanks for the advice and your words.

 

[Theatregal]

@lt56ny All the best for your Camino del Norte! I haven't been able to visit Pilgrim House yet - I always seem to arrive in Santiago on a day when they are closed. Next time I will time my arrival better because all those I know who have visited, have said that time spent there is very special. I did have a lovely afternoon at Egeria House - wonderful company and conversation.
It can indeed be very crowed and overwhelming in Santiago. I've found a way that works for me to really connect with the city at the end of my camino. I'm usually there for at least a day ~ I get up very early in the morning - at dawn - and take a slow walk through the quiet deserted streets. You see and feel the city in a very different way. Then a visit to the cathedral just as it opens - calm and contemplation in almost complete solitude.

 

[natefaith]

@lt56ny Hola!
The sentiments you expressed in your original post are part of the reason why the Camino Companions, @SYates, and Pilgrim House are here. I'd recommend you visit all three of us, and that way you'll have friendly faces to see who'd love to welcome you into town and hear about your journey. English Mass and Pilgrim Mass are good times of contemplation as well.

Nate and I will be in the US in October but our teammates will be around. Pilgrim House will be open every day from 11am - 6pm, except Sundays and Wednesdays. Have a wonder-filled time on pilgrimage and Buen Camino!
Faith