Last 100km all in same time period?

[Jilksy]

Hi everyone,

A question please. Due to holiday restrictions we are currently doing the CF in stages having started in SJPdP. Our next segment could take us up to 3 days before Santiago. We then thought of doing the last three stages to Santiago and then through to Finisterre when we next have time. My question is, to qualify for the Compostela do the final 100km of the CF need to be done in the same time period? Or is it irrelevant? Is it worth us stopping a couple of days early in Sarria and continuing from there next time?

I've tried finding the answer online and I'm sure that as long as we have the stamps it doesn't matter when they are collected but just want to make sure.

Many thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[jdpiguet]

Hi Jilsky,

100 km on foot or 200 km on bicycle.
2 stamps per days.
That 's it! No other conditions...
You can take as long as you want.
Simply don' t forget the stamps when you stop and start.

Buen Camino, Jacques-D.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Hi, Jilsky...

This is copied from the Pilgrim's Office website, which is the issuing Authority.

..... The Chapter of the Metropolitan Church of Santiago continued to issue the certificate and in modern times the award of the “Compostela” is limited to those who come to the tomb of the Apostle for religious and/or spiritual reasons, and following the routes of the Way of St. James on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. They are required to have traveled at least the last 100 kilometres on foot or horseback or the last 200 by bicycle, which is demonstrated by the “Credencial del Peregrino” duly stamped along the route travelled. Therefore other forms of travel to access the Compostela are excluded, except in the case of the disabled.

The “Compostela“, the accreditation of the pilgrimage to the Tomb of St. James.

To get the “Compostela” you must:

• Make the pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons, or at least an attitude of search.
• Do the last 100 km on foot or horseback, or the last 200 km by bicycle. It is understood that the pilgrimage starts at one point and from there you come to visit the Tomb of St. James.
• You must collect the stamps on the “Credencial del Peregrino” from the places you pass through to certify that you have been there. Stamps from churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals and all places related to the Way are preferred, but if not they can also be stamped in other institutions: town halls, cafés, etc. You have to stamp the Credencial twice a day at least on the last 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or on horseback) or on the last 200 km (for cyclists pilgrims).

You can do the Way in stages, provided they are in chronological and geographical order. However, if you only do the minimum required distance (last 100 or 200 km), you must always get your Credencial stamped at the start and end of each stage, including the corresponding date, to show that the pilgrim has resumed the Way in the same place where they last stopped (i.e. you should always get the stamp at the starting point even though you have already stamped the card in the same place at the end of the previous stage).

Children and pilgrimage. Children who make the pilgrimage with their parents or in groups, and have received the sacrament of Communion, or have the ability to understand the meaning of the spiritual or religious nature of the Way, can receive the “Compostela”. If they are not mature enough due to their young age, they are given a special certificate with their names. In the case of infants or very young children, their names are included on the parent or accompanying adult’s “Compostela”. If you are in any doubt, please contact us at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office so we can look at each individual case.

 

[Jilksy]

That's great thanks for the info. We'll just make sure we stamp carefully over this period. Many thanks again.

 

[AlwynWellington]

@Jilksy , welcome

A point touched on above but not emphasised, is quite important.

1) for each 'season' get a stamp at the last village, whatever you are at
2) for the next season
...... a)return to the same village whatever to resume your pilgrimage; and
...... b) get another stamp to show you have resumed without a break of distance

I hope I got that right and that it helps you

Kia kaha (you take care, be strong get going)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is it worth us stopping a couple of days early in Sarria and continuing from there next time?

Buses serve almost all the major towns after Sarria, Portomarin (a bit sparse), Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzua, and O Pedrouzo, so you can choose any of them for a stopping point.

 

[t2andreo]

Alwyn is spot-on. Follow his advice...

 

[Jilksy]

Many thanks for your helpful responses. All taken on board.