RIP Two Camino/Hospitalero Legends

[SYates]

The latest CSJ bulletin just arrived and it was sad to read about the death of two people that have contributed so much to the Camino:

Père Sébastien Ihidoy (1932-2016)
Known to many as the priest of Navarrenx. He opened his presbytery to pilgrims and shared what he had with them. His home was their home. He was a much beloved hospitalero that taught so many about the value of unconditional hospitality. I never had the privilege to meet him, he had moved on to another post when I walked the Le Puy way, but I remember countless pilgrims telling me about his sincere hospitality without borders nor judgments. If somebody knocked on his door, he offered them a place to stay and a plate of food and if somebody tried to leave a donation he was running after them giving it back.

Louis Janin
Louis was one of the first hospitaleros in the Hospi association, and actually preceded it. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times, as a pilgrim and as a hospitaler@. He taught me one sentence that will stay for ever with me:

"Pilgrims are like chickpeas, let them soak and they will soften."

Meaning: Let your pilgrims first have a shower - things will get so much easier for you (the hospitaler@) after that. Oh, and serving them a cool glass of something also softens them ;-)

Louis walked the Camino the first time in 1956 and many times after. He was the one that taught me about packing light and a lot about being a hospitalera. One other thing he told me several times:

"Don't judge, you don't know all the details."

May the Lord Santiago and Our Lord Jesus Christ welcome them after their earthly pilgrimage has finished and give them a place to stay in the eternal albergue celestial.

SY

 

[domigee]

What sad news and what wonderful persons they must have been, thank you for mentioning them.
I didn't know either of them but they will be in my prayers.

 

[SabsP]

I just did a search for Louis Janin.

What an interesting man he was indeed! Full of inspiration.

http://www.saint-jacques-compostelle.info/Louis-Janin-El-Mago-hospitalier-de-Compostelle_a233.html

 

[Anniesantiago]

So sorry to hear this news.
RIP

 

[Tincatinker]

Buen Caminos Peregrinos. May the light of your roads shine on ours.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thanks SY there is an old Chinese saying that goes something like - when you drink from the well, remember those responsible for digging it. The link that SabineP provided contained some on the insights in Louis Janin. The last paragraph is translated (from the French) below (thanks to Google Crome). I think it sums up the man (like others I was not fortunate to have met him); reading SY's article - maybe some of today's hospitaleros could copy his philosophy.

"Pilgrim for the first time in 1963, from Lourdes to Compostela, Louis Janin began his final journey on the path of stars January 18, 2016. Saint Jacques (James) was waiting at the end of his way to finally introduce into the ideal house that it sought to offer pilgrims."

A fulsome "Buen Camino" to these true gentlemen!

 

[KinkyOne]

"Don't judge, you don't know all the details."

So very true. And we're making that mistake so often.
Such a nice legacy he left for (or within) you.

I hope them rest in peace!

 

[Pingüigrino]

Que la tierra os sea leve, compañeros. We^ll follow the arrows you are painting now.

 

[VNwalking]

Beautiful men, beautiful lives. May they both rest in peace, carried on the wings of their goodness.

They may be gone but we can all emulate that Camino spirit--and we must, because as our elders pass on the mantle passes to those who remain. If the community here is any indication--even considering our occasional venting--there are still many many good people along the way. Hopefully long into the future.

 

[joanjf]

Thank you for the post. It is so lovely to hear of good deeds.
The Camino is a must for everyone as it teaches you many things especially that we are all one and we walk together.
My Brother dying on the Camino in 2013 gives me Peace as I saw what he saw and the kind of people he met. Of course I miss him everyday.
I come back to this site often to get a good feeling. Thank you all. Especially Ivar

 

[Pruden]

The latest CSJ bulletin just arrived and it was sad to read about the death of two people that have contributed so much to the Camino:

Père Sébastien Ihidoy (1932-2016)
Known to many as the priest of Navarrenx. He opened his presbytery to pilgrims and shared what he had with them. His home was their home. He was a much beloved hospitalero that taught so many about the value of unconditional hospitality. I never had the privilege to meet him, he had moved on to another post when I walked the Le Puy way, but I remember countless pilgrims telling me about his sincere hospitality without borders nor judgments. If somebody knocked on his door, he offered them a place to stay and a plate of food and if somebody tried to leave a donation he was running after them giving it back.

Louis Janin
Louis was one of the first hospitaleros in the Hospi association, and actually preceded it. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times, as a pilgrim and as a hospitaler@. He taught me one sentence that will stay for ever with me:

"Pilgrims are like chickpeas, let them soak and they will soften."

Meaning: Let your pilgrims first have a shower - things will get so much easier for you (the hospitaler@) after that. Oh, and serving them a cool glass of something also softens them ;-)

Louis walked the Camino the first time in 1956 and many times after. He was the one that taught me about packing light and a lot about being a hospitalera. One other thing he told me several times:

"Don't judge, you don't know all the details."

May the Lord Santiago and Our Lord Jesus Christ welcome them after their earthly pilgrimage has finished and give them a place to stay in the eternal albergue celestial.

SY

Very sad this beloved people past away!
My thoughts and prayers are with him!
Rest In Peace !