This past week has been chock full of very interesting Spanish cultural lessons. On Thursday, we went to the old city of Santiago de Compastela, where according to tradition, Saint James is buried. James the brother of John, for you Bible scholars who were wondering which one. The Catholics don't believe that Jesus had any siblings. Mary remained a virgin, remember? ;) Anyway, we arrived in Santiago and parked just outside the city and then walked in. The way was filled with those who had made the pilgrimage. I'm not totally sure where the pilgrimage actually begins, but people make the trip from wherever they are. So a lot of people on the road were decked out in hiking gear, such as this lady:
You can also see that she has a conch shell on her pack...that's the symbol of the journey. Most people had the shell on their person in some respect...either on their bag, or as a necklace.
The city was just full of history...all of the buildings were ancient, and the cathedral was just magnificent:
I'm not sure when it was built, but I heard that it was during the 1100's. The line was a little too long to get in this time, but us girls are making the trek (yes, the hike!) from Ferrol to Santiago in July...so we'll have a chance to do it then, hopefully. This year is very special to the Spanish, because it's a Holy Year. It's holy to them because San Juan's feast day (July 25th) lands on a Sunday. So apparently, if you make the pilgrimage to Santiago, all your sins can be absolved. Obviously, I don't believe that...but seeing all these sincere people making the trek and doing all they could to appease God was saddening. I wish they knew what I know...that man can't please God with anything we do. We're depraved sinners, searching after our own pleasures, and wanting nothing to do with Him. None of our rituals please Him. The battle for evangelical Christians here is rough. They have to face thousands of years of history that says that Catholicism (mixed with a good dose of witchcraft as well) is the only way. Yet such a system binds its followers in fear and ritual. In Christ they could be forgiven and set free from all bondage. The trip to Santiago made me thankful for that...and also gave me a new determination to help the missionaries in any way I can.
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