Day 36- COMPLETEDSaint Jean Pied de Port
We are now here at St Jean at the foot of the mountains. A day of walking in continuous light rain which gave us a wonderful soft welcome as we saw St Jean approach. I had been wondering how I would feel as we reached the town, would it be a disappointment to see many pilgrims preparing for setting out tomorrow on what probably would be their first Camino while chaffing at the bit to join them? Would it be sad not to see the wonderful Cathedral of Santiago and experience the pilgrim Mass which almost every pilgrim attends? Would it be an anticlimax not reaching the tomb of St James? Would I feel my journey was incomplete? Well the answer to the questions remained a mystery until we were about 2km from St Jean. We came across an old but beautiful chapel on the banks of the river that flows through St Jean. We sat down in silent prayer and the answer was given to me. A tremendous calm descended upon me, unlike the experience last year in Santiago where it was excitement at having completed the journey. Today there was no excitement, but a marvellous calm and contentment that descended upon me as I offered prayers of thanksgiving for all we have received over the two pilgrimages. Tonight in 30 minutes we will attend the Pilgrim Mass and blessings of the new pilgrims. We will continue to pray for all our followers and those on our prayer list at this Mass and also receive the Pilgrims Blessing because I finally realise that my pilgrimage doesn’t end, it merely takes on a new phase as we return home. Some nights ago I discussed aspects of being a pilgrim. I am progressing towards it but still have a little way to go, but will not give up. Enda and I wish to thank all who have followed our journey and all who have supported generously our appeal for Vinnies. Remember should you wish to help Vinnies with their vital work click on our donate icon at the top of our home page. Please remember all those on our prayer page in the days ahead. We would like to thank our daughter Tara who maintained this site under trying conditions with internet problems not of her making and the positive non-cooperation of Telstra. But most of all I wish to thank my wife Enda for making this pilgrimage with me despite all her feet problems and her worries that it would be all too much for her. She came through with flying colours and in many instances put me to shame. When we started I mentioned this was a pilgrimage of thanksgiving for me and in the many periods of solitude as we walked this was realised in more ways than I could have anticipated.
1 Comment
ED Marsh
4/5/2017 06:39:42 pm
Thanks, Jerand and Enda I have enjoy reading your blogs and thoughts for the day. Looking forward to our Christmas in July.
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