Devon Mike
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- Frances, Finisterre & Muxia (2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 & 2019), Primitivo & Ingles (2017)
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I think that the funny thing here is that the International Brotherhood arguments have nothing to do with the way that this fight will play itself out in Spain. I think it will be a battle between those with economic interests in Sarria, who realize that their goose that laid the golden egg might be leaving if the 300 km rule is implemented, vs. all of those further back who think their business will be increased if pilgrims have to walk more. All the while, the International Brotherhood talks about Alfonso II and his relationship to Oviedo.
My concern is that some make the Camino a family oriented venture a form of a vacation. In my eight Camino's I have seen this take place. Some limited funds and time so the increase can hamper their Camino.I skimmed over the bit about Alfonso II as I am waiting for the video to come out.
So where are all the starting points on the different routes if you work on a 300 km minimum? That would be almost the entirety of the Sanabres so I can see lots of people starting from Zamora or Granja de Moreruela for the VDLP.
Reported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
FICS raised this issue in a more general way at the end of 2014, and it is consistent with the Manifesto of Villafranca del Bierzo they promulgated at that time. It appears a new tactic to try and justify this now by using a historical link, but their desire to increase the qualifying distance for the award of a compostela is not. At the end of the day, the cathedral is the authority on what qualifies, and I recollect they dismissed the suggestion last time it was raised. Time will tell whether they give this latest attempt similar treatment.Reported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
... BTW can someone enlighten me - how was this 100km minimum first determined?? Thanks
I think it would give all the people who consider themselves to be "real pilgrims" something else to do LOLReported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
Makes me wonder....if there was no de Compostela for anyone at the end of the journey, no matter how many miles, how many would then decide not to walk at all? The deepest reward for so many, is in the doing.
Hi Sue M,Last June I took a group to Santiago, along the Frances by coach. In the group were a couple for whom it was a real struggle - he was 86 and had had a major stroke, she was 85 with terminal cancer. I asked at the pilgrim office if there was any way their pilgrimage could be recognised and was told no. The trouble is that what is a major achievement for some may be easy for others - but in the end each pilgrim knows whether they have really made a pilgrimage and the piece of paper doesn't really matter very much.
Makes me wonder....if there was no de Compostela for anyone at the end of the journey, no matter how many miles, how many would then decide not to walk at all? The deepest reward for so many, is in the doing.
everyone wants to get their Compostela after walking the last 100 kilometers.
in the end each pilgrim knows whether they have really made a pilgrimage and the piece of paper doesn't really matter very much
I would love to see clear provision for pilgrims that can't walk/bike the Camino for health reasons but really would like a Compostela for devotional reasons. This group of pilgrims, as small it might be, could be seriously affected by a widening of the "Compostela Radius"
An excellent read; and to know now more of what it is you do. Truly, a wonderful service. Thank you.I am a member of the International Brotherhood (Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago.) I am working on an English translation of the document cited in the newspapers, but it will be a while in coming -- I start on the Way tomorrow.
The 300-km. document was written by an historian and a sociologist. It quotes Carlos II because those people who think history has no bearing on the present are doomed to repeat it; and those (of us) who appreciate history like to draw these parallels -- the 300 km radius cities (Zamora, Coimbra, Aviles, Oviedo, Leon) have had much to do with the history of Spanish piety and are still active parts of the modern camino.
The 100 km rule dates back to 1999. It was meant as a temporary measure to deal with an overwhelming Holy Year boom, but was set in concrete somehow. The unintended consequence was the commercialization and overcrowding along the final 100 kilometers into Santiago, and a strange mania for a fancy bit of paper. Latest numbers say 60% of pilgrims who get Compostelas walked only the last 100 kilometers of the path. IMHO, this seems to defeat the whole purpose of a long-distance pilgrimage.
The Camino de Santiago has always been seen, at least in Spain and Portugal, as an extraordinary, marathon long-distance journey for the devout and the fit, not a short-term "romeria" walk for everyone. Pilgrims who hike across continents should not be awarded the same as people who've done the four-day, four-star "Camino Quickee Tour." The cathedral seems to have abandoned its initial hope to keep the Compostela a "precious document of holy vows completed," and has simply gone into the souvenir business at worst, and traffic-policing at best.
As for who are the Brotherhood: We all are volunteers. We accept no funding from government programs or corporations or commercial interests. We paint waymarks, write guides, clean up caminos, staff albergues. Other initiatives include riding herd on redevelopment in downtown Sarria (so another Roman bridge is not demolished); overseeing enforcement of UNESCO heritage route disignations and Camino sites; and now lobbying local government agencies to improve pilgrim safety at 14 "black spots" along the paths, where pilgrims and traffic are not mixing well.
We are not doing this because we'll make money. We're doing this because we want to keep the camino spirit alive -- with or without souvenir scallop-shell socks, cool apps, mileage certificates, or even cathedrals.
We don't expect a lot of response from the Cathedral on this, but it's important that we keep this issue out there. Miracles are known to happen around here, you know.
SY.... with respect... are you sure the indulgence is for ALL pilgrims and visitors?? I read in one of the many Jubilee Year website the specific mention of "catholics". But, IMHO, its all a matter of FAITH.The indulgence is given to all pilgrims AND visitors to the Cathedral in Holy Years that fulfil the religious requirements (confession, communion etc.) It is not necessary to walk/bike/ride the Camino for it. Buen Camino, SY
SY.... with respect... are you sure the indulgence is for ALL pilgrims and visitors?? I read in one of the many Jubilee Year website the specific mention of "catholics". But, IMHO, its all a matter of FAITH.
The indulgence is given to all pilgrims AND visitors to the Cathedral in Holy Years that fulfil the religious requirements (confession, communion etc.) It is not necessary to walk/bike/ride the Camino for it. Buen Camino, SY
In the meantime, you are losing many pilgrims 'because' of the crowds, growing commercialism, jacked up rates along the last 100kms...I think it's a short sighted proposal. The Camino is a major source of economic income for Spain (it must be given the number of pilgrims who walk it) so to reduce the incentive to walk at a time when many nations are struggling economically doesn't make sense. The Camino is an arbitrarily determined route as it is. As if anyone walking to SDC in the olden days actually set off to walk a specific route? They would have traveled by any transport available on any route that was feasible. So I don't see any reason for a change other than to satisfy someone's ego or view about what a pilgrimage should be.
In the meantime, you are losing many pilgrims 'because' of the crowds, growing commercialism, jacked up rates along the last 100kms...
Good point LookingFor42. Is quite impressive how many people participate on this treck, regardless of their reasons. There is nothing better than a common goal to unify people, this pilgrimage to Santiago seems to have that calling card. Particularly important at a time when we have been losing church goers all over the world at a great rate. I respect a place that brings so many people together like the Camino does, it must have major Mojo...
... The Camino is an arbitrarily determined route as it is. As if anyone walking to SDC in the olden days actually set off to walk a specific route? They would have traveled by any transport available on any route that was feasible. ....
What I meant was, some are opting for quieter routes. The last 100 kms didn't bother me too much, but I heard from others who were bothered by it..."Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
Really?
By removing many from the CF who may not have a compostela high on their bucket list it will make more space for those for whom the sacrifice to get to Santiago is important. Ad it's not as if there are huge numbers of people on the other routes anyway. 5% walk the Norte, less than 1% the Primitivo, something along those lines?@peregrina2000 - while appreciating their efforts in so many ways I still think it is sad that they are embracing a 'distance requirement' that will work against many who are unable to walk more than the current requirement (for any reason). They are also underestimating the effect on the other, shorter Caminos and seem to be focusing too much on the Francés, which (if they succeed distance wise) will actually become even more overcroweded/commercialised as folk are forced away from the shorter routes to Santiago.
But in return you get the 100/200km people who are forced to walk 300Km..... and possibly all of them if the Compostela does matter to themBy removing many from the CF who may not have a compostela high on their bucket list it will make more space for those for whom the sacrifice to get to Santiago is important. Ad it's not as if there are huge numbers of people on the other routes anyway. 5% walk the Norte, less than 1% the Primitivo, something along those lines?
And for them special treatment from the Catheral can surly be programmed. I think the main point being addressed is the heard, not the gems.But in return you get the 100/200km people who are forced to walk 300Km..... and possibly all of them if the Compostela does matter to them
Then I guess we could ask the question "Why does the Compostela matter"? And would it hold perhaps hold more meaning having walked 800 kms rather than 100 kms? We each answer in our own way.But in return you get the 100/200km people who are forced to walk 300Km..... and possibly all of them if the Compostela does matter to them
I'm willing to be that it does have a lot more meaning for those who walked from home, from Jerusalem, Rome, or even Russia. With every step comes the opportunity to quit or jump in a taxi, on a bus, a train. A constant battle.Then I guess we could ask the question "Why does the Compostela matter"? And would it hold perhaps hold more meaning having walked 800 kms rather than 100 kms? We each answer in our own way.
I am a member of the International Brotherhood (Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago.) I am working on an English translation of the document cited in the newspapers, but it will be a while in coming -- I start on the Way tomorrow.
The 300-km. document was written by an historian and a sociologist. It quotes Carlos II because those people who think history has no bearing on the present are doomed to repeat it; and those (of us) who appreciate history like to draw these parallels -- the 300 km radius cities (Zamora, Coimbra, Aviles, Oviedo, Leon) have had much to do with the history of Spanish piety and are still active parts of the modern camino.
The 100 km rule dates back to 1999. It was meant as a temporary measure to deal with an overwhelming Holy Year boom, but was set in concrete somehow. The unintended consequence was the commercialization and overcrowding along the final 100 kilometers into Santiago, and a strange mania for a fancy bit of paper. Latest numbers say 60% of pilgrims who get Compostelas walked only the last 100 kilometers of the path. IMHO, this seems to defeat the whole purpose of a long-distance pilgrimage.
The Camino de Santiago has always been seen, at least in Spain and Portugal, as an extraordinary, marathon long-distance journey for the devout and the fit, not a short-term "romeria" walk for everyone. Pilgrims who hike across continents should not be awarded the same as people who've done the four-day, four-star "Camino Quickee Tour." The cathedral seems to have abandoned its initial hope to keep the Compostela a "precious document of holy vows completed," and has simply gone into the souvenir business at worst, and traffic-policing at best.
Found the link to the article here: http://www.elcorreogallego.es/santi...ostela/idEdicion-2015-12-15/idNoticia-969641/
It is a petition, so I wouldn't hold my breath that it will become reality. I don't think it will impact Sarria too much as it will still be inside the 300km radius (reducing the distance would have a far bigger impact!) and about shorter than 300km routes like the Ingles? My wild guess is that most people that walk the Ingles have already at least one Compostela from previous caminos. I think it might be a good thing, if it really happens, to spread the pilgrims load a wee bit better. Buen Camino, SY
PS Forgot to add, at the same time I would love to see clear provision for pilgrims that can't walk/bike the Camino for health reasons but really would like a Compostela for devotional reasons. This group of pilgrims, as small it might be, could be seriously affected by a widening of the "Compostela Radius" as some of them might just manage 100km, with help, but not 300km.
I am a member of the International Brotherhood (Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago.) I am working on an English translation of the document cited in the newspapers, but it will be a while in coming -- I start on the Way tomorrow.
I hope this is not too off topic, but I just wanted some clarity about the Pilgrims Passport. I am walking my first Camino April 2016. I am assuming I can order it from the Shop on this forum. I am meeting some friends in Sarria and they will walk only Sarria to Santiago. Can I order all three passports from the forum shop? And this is the passport we carry with us and get signed as we walk the Camino? Or should I just get my own when I get to SJPP?
I agree! And, I suspect that most of us answer that question somewhere in between the either/or extremes of "Who cares about a piece of paper" and "I walk to get a piece of paper" camps. I think a "both/and" middle ground applies to most of us.Then I guess we could ask the question "Why does the Compostela matter"? And would it hold perhaps hold more meaning having walked 800 kms rather than 100 kms? We each answer in our own way.
Personally starting points and such don't concern me any longer. I have opted out to doing the Camino by get my passport stamped and that's the end. The past three years have not bother to get a Compostela I felt that I did the Camino cause I wanted to do it for my enjoyment and pleasure.On the Francès, Leon would become the popular 300+ starting point.
I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, because it's not intended that way. I just don't get it."To increase the devotional and sincere aspect of the accomplishment of a proper Camino, Compostelas should cease to be dispensed for free. Instead, and upon proper certification of completing a Camino, as specified by the relevant authorities, a Compostela may be obtained at a nominal fee, and solely at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela. In lieu of a free Compostela, on request, any arriving Pilgrim with a properly completed pilgrim credencial, may receive a free stamp of the Cathedral and Archbishop that documents completion of the pilgrimage. Said stamp(s) will be affixed to the validated credencial"
Completely agree. With so many people just having luggage carried and sometimes just walking the last few hundred yards to get a stamp after getting out of a bus or car it devalues the Compostela.Reported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
The Compostela and 100km requirement to receive it have nothing to do with the indulgence. A Catholic can fly into Santiago in a Holy Year, attend Mass at the Cathedral and receive Communion, make a good confession, and pray for the intentions of the Pope to receive the indulgence. Walking is not a requirement.Change the wording of the indulgence requirement to milage considered appropriate to one's health/condition after discussion with your Parrish priest.
I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, because it's not intended that way. I just don't get it.
I don't see how anything gets solved with this, nor do I really see a change here other than charging for a nicer version of what a pilgrim already receives. I already can't get a Compostela anywhere but the pilgrim's office. I already get Cathedral stamps on my credencial (I ended up sello collecting, and so had two full credencials, plus an extension, and all were stamped). I would pay for a hand-written version of the credencial on parchment or vellum, assuming the price wasn't outrageous. But, if the funding was only for the service itself, then it's irrelevant to whether or not the free, preprinted version is also available for those who don't want to purchase a nicer version.
The issue of "why" a pilgrim/tourist walks is not verifiable, except on the attestation of the pilgrim/tourist him/herself. The decision to buy a cool memento (or a revered testament) to their journey is motivated by the inner disposition of the pilgrim/tourist, and there's no test for that either.
Love the idea of Bronze Silver and Gold. I'm smiling. Elin
Or what about bronze (Sarria), silver (Leon) and gold (SJPdP/Roncesvalles) compostelas?
The modern credencial and the modern compostela are strange documents (see a recent thread about how they came into existence and got connected to each other): the credencial is a card of the kind you need to stay in a youth hostel or alpine hut on the one hand and on the other hand a piece of paper that needs to be stamped in under specific conditions to get another piece of paper named compostela with a purpose that is not quite clear. All that is certain is that a compostela is not needed for obtaining an indulgence.
The text of the modern compostela confirms only that you have "visited devoutly this Sacred Church in a religious sense (pietatis causa)" - the French translation renders pietatis causa more correctly as "sentiment chrétien" (=Christian sense).
The compostela does not say a word about walking, let alone from where and how long or under which conditions!
Last June I took a group to Santiago, along the Frances by coach. In the group were a couple for whom it was a real struggle - he was 86 and had had a major stroke, she was 85 with terminal cancer. I asked at the pilgrim office if there was any way their pilgrimage could be recognised and was told no. The trouble is that what is a major achievement for some may be easy for others - but in the end each pilgrim knows whether they have really made a pilgrimage and the piece of paper doesn't really matter very much.
By stopping the doling out of free Compostelas to everyone who shows up asking for one, but keeping them available, and arguably in a nicer format, for people willing to pay the cost of producing the finer document, so be it.
...
And before anyone says that I am being an elitist, let me explain that is not the case. By continuing to issue free Compostelas to all comers, many being obtained under sketchy qualifications, we only discount the higher meaning of pilgrimage, and dilute the Church's preeminent role in documenting the Camino pilgrimages. I seek only to restore the sanctity and solemnity of the Compostela to the place it needs to have.
Of course, the Church will do what is will do. In the end, I believe, accept and follow. But here, I can provide suggestion, recommendations and opinions. Hopefully, this helps the process.
Speaking of which, in the context of the current Year of Mercy, which puts an emphasis on inclusiveness, there is mention of a "breve peregrinación". How short is a short pilgrimage?
Hi Elin , wish you well for the future and a happy Christmas, Peter.Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Camino. I am a woman of a certain age. When I first walked my 100k pilgrimage, I was 50 pounds overweight.. OK maybe more, I had never hiked, never wore a backpacked, never thought I would make it. My goal was to arrive in Santiago, go to the Pilgrom Mass in gratitude and receive my certificate.
I met others on the trail and in subsequent conversations with people at home who dismiss my personal heroics. I didn't start in France types. I am not addressing you.
My comment is to those of you who might have seen me struggle, seen me fall, seen my black eye .. Which earned me my trail name.. Dah. I actually named myself "the Turtle." I am grateful for your kindness and you are in my daily prayers. You did not demand that I keep up with you. You walked with me for a few moments and wished me a buen Camino. You comforted me and encouraged me on the biggest challange of my life. It brings me tears of appreciation to remember you.
So you in this Brotherhood, coming up with an additional Kilometer requirement, see me, and others like me. Feel the joy within the least physical among us. Know that some people walked the Camino from much farther away than any one of you and,,,, and walked back. Keep this 100k marker in place. That's the vote I am sending out to the community.
If you wish, you can make gradations to the Camino. 1) Comino completed requirement - 100k. 2) stellar performer 300K. 3) Star of the Camino - 1,000k. And maybe add Grand Slam for those aspiring to walk, ride, all the routes in Spain, and oh yes, International Grand Slam for those starting in foreign countries. The Brotherhood could sell patches for accomplishments.
Yes, a bit of humor. Say Hi to me, still "The Turtle" in April 2016 for my third Camino. Blessings for a Christmas of joy, peace and light. Elin
You may not realise that what you're asking for would be for the Church to resume selling indulgences, which (quite apart from being Simony) was a major contributor to the Protestant schism in the 16th Century, and has been since utterly condemned and completely forbidden.
So I wouldn't get your hopes up if I were you ...
Blessings to you, too, Peter. ElinHi Elin , wish you well for the future and a happy Christmas, Peter.
someone just posted a photo of a "Compostela" from 1976, earned by a pilgrim from Toledo.
It's a piece of gridded notebook paper with a date-stamp and hand-scrawled by a cathedral canon "This pilgrim arrived at the cathedral of Santiago day/month/year." It's got a cathedral sacristy stamp. And that's it.
No credential, no mileage, no Latin. I think it's great.
An amazing book. Wish I were walking through your village. Blessings on your work. ElinBlessings to you, too, Peter. Elin
Compostelas are for long distance pilgrims only, perferably for long distance pilgrims on foot.
By removing many from the CF who may not have a compostela high on their bucket list it will make more space for those for whom the sacrifice to get to Santiago is important. Ad it's not as if there are huge numbers of people on the other routes anyway. 5% walk the Norte, less than 1% the Primitivo, something along those lines?
A very reasonable alteration, there are far to many people rushing the 100k and not only spooling it for others but not giving themselves the time to really settle into the reflection of Pilgrimage. After all this is still a Christian Pilgrimage. I would also add that it should be attempted in one goReported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
My simple understanding is that when it comes to actually 'claiming' an indulgence, not only are you unlikely to be holding the piece of paper, but the entity making any enquiry might already know whether such a claim is sustainable!It's still technically a Church legal document, and it could be used by someone under some canonical penalty as documentary evidence that he or she has accomplished a penitence, and received the benefit of any associated indulgence on such and such date.
My simple understanding is that when it comes to actually 'claiming' an indulgence, not only are you unlikely to be holding the piece of paper, but the entity making any enquiry might already know whether such a claim is sustainable!
A very reasonable alteration, there are far to many people rushing the 100k and not only spooling it for others but not giving themselves the time to really settle into the reflection of Pilgrimage.
Good point, my understanding was that if you needed a rest day you stopped for a while until you could continue. My experience of the Frances from Saria was hetic rush. The same on the Portuguse.Rather than a requirement for a minimum distance what about a minimum time spent on the pilgrimage?
Super fit pilgrims could cover 100km in under 3 days which does not leave time for much contemplation. A minimum time period (say 5 nights) would also remove the distance barrier for those less able to walk such a long way.
Spot on ... when people ask me what it was like I get down my Credential and tell stories around the stamps, every stamp is a memory of people and places . My compestlas are shoved Away in drawers somewhereOn my last arrival in Santiago with my friend Robyn (described by us both as our "Disney tour of the Camino") we did not ask for a Compistela but simply a stamp from the Cathedral in our credentiale. A Compostela would have been absurd. What we have instead is a very satisfying and much more meaningful document. Credentiales are a fabulous record, and each one is unique. I value them far more than a mass produced "paper to order".
I am walking the Ingles in a week in Lent. I would never be able to afford to take enough time from work to walk 300km, but also that distance would have dissuaded me from making the pilgrimage. It's far too daunting for me. Experienced walkers may think this is manageable but for me I would have not even considered the pilgrimageReported in el Correo Gallego on Tuesday 15th December:
"The International Brotherhood of the Camino wants pilgrims to walk for 300 km to get their Compostela, instead of the stipulated 100 km. For those who choose the bicycle or horse, the distance should increase to 500 km from the current 200 km. According to the organization, it said in a statement this request is based on historical reasons. 300 km separates Oviedo from Santiago, the first pilgrimage route used by King Alfonso II and his court, now called the Primitive Route. Also the new length responds to the distance on the French Way, when the kingdom's capital is transferred to Leon."
This is a very interesting proposal. What do we all think about it?
Mike
Buen Camino Anna.I am walking the Ingles in a week in Lent. I would never be able to afford to take enough time from work to walk 300km, but also that distance would have dissuaded me from making the pilgrimage. It's far too daunting for me. Experienced walkers may think this is manageable but for me I would have not even considered the pilgrimage
Some of us may have saved for a long while to do their pilgrimage and won't be able to do it again so may not be able to "return" two or three times. Whilst I hesitate to say it... has nothing changed? Can only the rich afford to be "godly"?I think the 300 kilometers for the Compostela will be a good decision , people that can walk won't have any problems and it can be done in one , two or three times.
The other thing is that people that are not in good shape for walking should get their Compostela when they walked 100 kilometers!
That's my opinion am I could be wrong, but walking from Sarria to Santiago is a fair , is to crowded because everyone wants to get their Compostela after walking the last 100 kilometers.
Buen Camino
I'm really sorry if I'm one of the "four day quickies".. for some people 100k ms IS a long way.I am a member of the International Brotherhood (Fraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago.) I am working on an English translation of the document cited in the newspapers, but it will be a while in coming -- I start on the Way tomorrow.
The 300-km. document was written by an historian and a sociologist. It quotes Carlos II because those people who think history has no bearing on the present are doomed to repeat it; and those (of us) who appreciate history like to draw these parallels -- the 300 km radius cities (Zamora, Coimbra, Aviles, Oviedo, Leon) have had much to do with the history of Spanish piety and are still active parts of the modern camino.
The 100 km rule dates back to 1999. It was meant as a temporary measure to deal with an overwhelming Holy Year boom, but was set in concrete somehow. The unintended consequence was the commercialization and overcrowding along the final 100 kilometers into Santiago, and a strange mania for a fancy bit of paper. Latest numbers say 60% of pilgrims who get Compostelas walked only the last 100 kilometers of the path. IMHO, this seems to defeat the whole purpose of a long-distance pilgrimage.
The Camino de Santiago has always been seen, at least in Spain and Portugal, as an extraordinary, marathon long-distance journey for the devout and the fit, not a short-term "romeria" walk for everyone. Pilgrims who hike across continents should not be awarded the same as people who've done the four-day, four-star "Camino Quickee Tour." The cathedral seems to have abandoned its initial hope to keep the Compostela a "precious document of holy vows completed," and has simply gone into the souvenir business at worst, and traffic-policing at best.
As for who are the Brotherhood: We all are volunteers. We accept no funding from government programs or corporations or commercial interests. We paint waymarks, write guides, clean up caminos, staff albergues. Other initiatives include riding herd on redevelopment in downtown Sarria (so another Roman bridge is not demolished); overseeing enforcement of UNESCO heritage route disignations and Camino sites; and now lobbying local government agencies to improve pilgrim safety at 14 "black spots" along the paths, where pilgrims and traffic are not mixing well.
We are not doing this because we'll make money. We're doing this because we want to keep the camino spirit alive -- with or without souvenir scallop-shell socks, cool apps, mileage certificates, or even cathedrals.
We don't expect a lot of response from the Cathedral on this, but it's important that we keep this issue out there. Miracles are known to happen around here, you know.
Anna. I can't comment on the time you have available for your Camino but will say that the last 100k are not nearly as rewarding, in my view it is because of the coach loads of pilgrims dropped off each day to walk a section. As for your ability to walk, I think everyone is slightly overawed by the idea of walking such a long way. You meet and make wonderful friends and settle down into a pace which suits everyone. Someone commented it's only for the rich, I'm not rich and walked for 65 days, it worked out at less than €30 a day.I'm really sorry if I'm one of the "four day quickies".. for some people 100k ms IS a long way.
The Ingles was my first as well. I walked it as a tester before my intended Frances. It was so much more than that and was in itself a life changer. As time passes and I see and feel the pains and tribulations of others less fortunate than I, all I can do is hope that their opportunities are not diminished by any changes.I walked the Inglés as my first Camino, without that I doubt if I would have walked the Primitivo or any other longer route. As I said on the similar thread last year I hope that this does not happen as it will prevent those less able, but who do want to walk, from making their pilgrimage. To me it sounds like money talking and hopefully the Cathedral authorities will ignore it, and they make the rules.
Anna, I think that you may be over estimating what it takes to walk 100km. The average age on the Camino has got to be well into the 50s, and the vast majority are people who are walking it are sedentary and have never done so ething like this before. With a good pair of shoes and as little as you can manage to carry this will not be difficult. The expense especially if you are coming from outside of Europe is no doubt an issue, but not the distance unless you face somesort of handicap. Don't worry so much about it.I'm really sorry if I'm one of the "four day quickies".. for some people 100k ms IS a long way.
I would agree with this if Anna was talking about walking from Saria but I doubt very much she will see many tour buses on the Ingles. A good choice to walk for that reason.Anna. I can't comment on the time you have available for your Camino but will say that the last 100k are not nearly as rewarding, in my view it is because of the coach loads of pilgrims dropped off each day to walk a section. As for your ability to walk, I think everyone is slightly overawed by the idea of walking such a long way. You meet and make wonderful friends and settle down into a pace which suits everyone. Someone commented it's only for the rich, I'm not rich and walked for 65 days, it worked out at less than €30 a day.
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