What time is mass in Roncesvalles?

[JustJack]

I read through an incredibly long thread about Roncesvalles - all the good and the bad - and many mentioned attending mass. But no one mentioned what time mass is. I also read a thread that was created to specifically answer this question, but again no one actually posted the time. Anways, that thread was from 2015 so not sure if things have changed since then.

I've booked my bed and dinner. When booking I had the option of choosing the early or later time for dinner. I chose the earlier 7pm dinner.

I'm a completely lapsed Catholic, meaning I don't participate in the religion any longer, however I went to Catholic schools, attended Sunday mass when I was a kid. I'd love to attend some services along the CF, starting with the one in Roncesvalles. Hopefully my pre-booked dinner isn't going to cause me to miss it?

And while I've got your ear, what is that mass like? Is there a choir or music of any sort? Is it an old and picturesque church? Do they give out communion? What's this "pilgrim blessing" I've heard about? Is that a thing in Roncesvalles?

Thanks for answering these basic questions.

 

[SabsP]

La Santa Misa

Misas.org - Horarios de Misa e información sobre la liturgia para asistir a la Eucaristía

misas.org

 

[Bradypus]

I was there a month ago. Only two walking pilgrims actually attended the mass. It was at 8pm - which was just about right after the 7pm pilgrim dinner.

No idea when you will be there so things may change. My experience was that two priests of the Colegiata concelebrated a said mass for a congregation of 6. No choir. No music. Even in peak season I would not expect either. At the end of the mass the pilgrims were invited to come to the sanctuary step for a blessing.

After the mass the senior priest invited the two pilgrims - myself included - for a a short guided tour of the church. Although this was my 4th visit to Roncesvalles I had not known about the 12th/13th century crypt below the altar and its extraordinary painted decoration. Astounding! Do visit if you have the chance. Roncesvalles has been welcoming pilgrims for centuries. Like the hospice on the Grand Saint Bernard pass between Switzerland and Italy. Do not let the chance to be part of a centuries-old tradition pass by.

 

[OzAnnie]

I was there a month ago. Only two walking pilgrims actually attended the mass. It was at 8pm - which was just about right after the 7pm pilgrim dinner.

@JustJack I believe from another thread that you are starting in mid May. Expect many more at Roncesvalles than when Bradypus was there. They don’t all attend the blessing but it would be a highlight.

And while I've got your ear, what is that mass like? Is there a choir or music of any sort? Is it an old and picturesque church? Do they give out communion? What's this "pilgrim blessing" I've heard about? Is that a thing in Roncesvalles?

I am not a Catholic but attending some of the services along the way when possible I’ve found very welcoming. Although I’m definitely not the one to report or advise on this - there are blessings on many of the routes (though not guaranteed / depends when you are there. ) On Vdlp in 2019, I was fortunate to be there for one by Father Blas in Fuenterroble de Salvatierra. There was a bus group of pilgrims from Scandinavia and they sang something beautiful in their language.
In 2022 beginning the Camino de Mozárabe; my hospitalera took me to the mass in Almería where she spoke to the priest to make him aware that there was a pilgrim at the mass.
Even if you don’t get to the times of mass - (often the Hospitalero/as at the albergues will show you the mass times in their village ) but when this is not possible -if you are walking past a church and are lucky enough to find the door open …. You are always welcome to enter and sit/pray….meditate … look around .. Sometimes you’ll find someone inside to answer questions and maybe you’ll be able to get a sello (stamp) for your credencial .
To me these are all special waymarks along the way - time well spent. Calming. Time of gratitude that we are here.

Buen camino.

 

[Kanga]

I am very pleased that I attended the mass on my first Camino and went forward for the pilgrim blessing. It remains a special memory. I am not Catholic, but felt it so moving to be part of a centuries old tradition.

 

[mspath]

During past years in fair weather and foul at the end of the first day of each camino it was a pleasure to arrive at the monastery and attend in the ancient Romanesque church the evening blessing.
If you choose to attend you will remember it always.

 

[JustJack]

Thanks everyone. Glad to know I won't miss the mass due to dinner, and I'm really looking forward to the entire experience. As many others have said, I feel like this will really help set the tone for the weeks ahead. And the potential for a blessing from a Spanish priest?! Wow.

For Europeans the notion of cathedrals that are hundreds of years old might be no big deal, as they seem to be everywhere. But here in Canada (especially the west coast) where everything is relatively new, with only a short history behind it, the idea of sitting in an ancient cathedral gives me chills (in a good way). I lived in England and travelled Europe for a few years during my early 20s, so I've had a chance to experience this, but that was a long time ago, and frankly I was just a dumb kid back then who didn't truly appreciate what I was witnessing. This time I'll have the correct mindset to give the experience the appreciation it deserves.

 

[Moniq]

I was there a month ago. Only two walking pilgrims actually attended the mass. It was at 8pm - which was just about right after the 7pm pilgrim dinner.

No idea when you will be there so things may change. My experience was that two priests of the Colegiata concelebrated a said mass for a congregation of 6. No choir. No music. Even in peak season I would not expect either. At the end of the mass the pilgrims were invited to come to the sanctuary step for a blessing.

After the mass the senior priest invited the two pilgrims - myself included - for a a short guided tour of the church. Although this was my 4th visit to Roncesvalles I had not known about the 12th/13th century crypt below the altar and its extraordinary painted decoration. Astounding! Do visit if you have the chance. Roncesvalles has been welcoming pilgrims for centuries. Like the hospice on the Grand Saint Bernard pass between Switzerland and Italy. Do not let the chance to be part of a centuries-old tradition pass by.

What a nice experience were you having! I hope they still do that on April 5th. One more question: was it cold at night in the Roncevalles albergue. Do they provide blankets? I would like to take only my summer sleeping bag and silk liner and hope that will do. I am a cold sleeper so I might put hot water in my water bottle if hot water is available! Buen Camino

 

[Bradypus]

One more question: was it cold at night in the Roncevalles albergue. Do they provide blankets?

I was in the winter albergue. I can't remember if there were blankets. It was very warm. But in April I expect you will be in the main albergue. I have no idea if they will be providing blankets this year. Some albergues have stopped doing so for hygiene reasons.

 

[Moniq]

Thank you! I didn’t know there was also a winter one!

 

[CaminoKentucky]

What a nice experience were you having! I hope they still do that on April 5th. One more question: was it cold at night in the Roncevalles albergue. Do they provide blankets? I would like to take only my summer sleeping bag and silk liner and hope that will do. I am a cold sleeper so I might put hot water in my water bottle if hot water is available! Buen Camino

Hi Moniq, I was at the Roncessvalles alberque in May 2022. They did provide blankets. Hot water is available. Unless there is something unforeseen, there is always an 8pm Mass. Buen Camino!

 

[El Cascayal]

In Leon there is a Peregrino blessing after the evening Mass that is very moving at La Basilica de San Isidro, there is also a Pilgrim blessing at the Albergue de Peregrinos del monasterio de las Benedictinas aka, las Carbajalas, in Leon.

 

[Moniq]

Hi Moniq, I was at the Roncessvalles alberque in May 2022. They did provide blankets. Hot water is available. Unless there is something unforeseen, there is always an 8pm Mass. Buen Camino!

Thank you so much!

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

In 2015, we attended the mass and blessing in Roncesvalles after dinner. I was invited to come forward and do the first reading of the mass. I believe they asked other pilgrims to do readings in their languages as acknowledgement of the global community present. This made the mass especially memorable for me.
Also in 2015, a young woman led pilgrims from the albergue on a tour of the church in the late afternoon., and she charged a nominal fee.

 

[Moniq]

In 2015, we attended the mass and blessing in Roncesvalles after dinner. I was invited to come forward and do the first reading of the mass. I believe they asked other pilgrims to do readings in their languages as acknowledgement of the global community present. This made the mass especially memorable for me.
Also in 2015, a young woman led pilgrims from the albergue on a tour of the church in the late afternoon., and she charged a nominal fee.

What a beautiful story!

 

[NancyZ]

I read through an incredibly long thread about Roncesvalles - all the good and the bad - and many mentioned attending mass. But no one mentioned what time mass is. I also read a thread that was created to specifically answer this question, but again no one actually posted the time. Anways, that thread was from 2015 so not sure if things have changed since then.

I've booked my bed and dinner. When booking I had the option of choosing the early or later time for dinner. I chose the earlier 7pm dinner.

I'm a completely lapsed Catholic, meaning I don't participate in the religion any longer, however I went to Catholic schools, attended Sunday mass when I was a kid. I'd love to attend some services along the CF, starting with the one in Roncesvalles. Hopefully my pre-booked dinner isn't going to cause me to miss it?

And while I've got your ear, what is that mass like? Is there a choir or music of any sort? Is it an old and picturesque church? Do they give out communion? What's this "pilgrim blessing" I've heard about? Is that a thing in Roncesvalles?

Thanks for answering these basic questions.

I went last year middle of March at 8pm. It was a beautiful service.