Age restriction for children?

[Thetravelingfamily]

Hello!

Does anyone have a link that would show if there is an age restriction on receiving the compostela for children 7 and 9?
Heard that there is an alternative certificate if they have not been through their first communion.

All the best,
Mandy

 

[mralisn]

Although I do not know of the age requirement (if one), but I did learn a little about the "other" compostela you might be seeking. These are for those peregrinos who choose to not declare spiritual/religious reasons for their Camino. Perhaps this is what the children will receive?

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

Here is the link http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/pilgri ... ompostela/ and this is the Cathedral of Santiago's policy:

"Children walking the Camino: Children who have made the pilgrimage with parents, or in a group, and who have an understanding of the religious and spiritual nature of the Camino may also receive a Compostela. However if they are not yet old enough a certificate can be provided which bears the child’s name. In the case of very young children their names can be inscribed on the Compostela of the accompanying adult. If you have any questions about this please ask in the Pilgrims’ Office."

Often in Spain this is generally taken to be the "age of consent" i.e the age at which a child would prepare for their First Communion. This differs from country to country for example in the UK the age of consent would probably be taken as 7 years of age whereas in Spain it is around 9 years of age. Hence the careful wording of the policy. If you have any difficulty on arrival at the office and the alternative certificate is not satisfactory simply ask to see one of the supervisors.

I hope this helps.

John

 

[Busybee]

My 11 year old daughter got her compostela without any problems - I do not recall them asking about her first communion...

 

[grayland]

Please note that JohnnieWalker advises that the "First Communion.." is used only as a reference point for...."age of consent" i.e the age at which a child would prepare for their First Communion."...

The reference to first communion is to establish an age... There is no requirement to be a Catholic or to participate in any Catholic activity. It is not required to even be Baptized or a Christian.
You will not be asked about first communion.

 

[waveprof]

Children as young as 3 and 4 have gotten a compestella. The dividing line is if they can communicate that they "understood" the spiritual nature of their pilgrimage. It depends largely on the person at the desk. Some require full sentences, some yes's to pertinent questions, some simply shaking of head. Others would look at age of consent (i.e. communion), so 7 or so. It depends who you get at the desk. Our 14 month old did not qualify because he wasn't talking much at all yet, but the person at the desk gave him a chance. Just depends how sympathetic your desk person is.