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.
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After divorcing her abusive husband, it took Elle a little while to get back on her feet. Thankfully, she had a good job and soon found a decent apartment for her and her two sons (ages three and nine).
All that changed when Elle stopped receiving child support. Soon she fell behind on rent and utility bills and came home to an eviction notice on her door. All at once, the security Elle had worked to provide for her sons after the traumatic divorce was in jeopardy. They had nowhere to turn, and Elle worried they would end up on the streets. Local Vincentians stepped in, paid her past due rent and utility bills and got her the legal help she needed to keep getting child support. It was a close call, but Elle is thankful she and her boys were able to safely stay in their home. If you would like to help You may donate to St Vincent de Paul through the link https://vinniesnsw.gofundraise.com.au/page/EndaJerardBarry Day 35- OstabatWhat a day it turned out to be! Our hosts last night told all guests of a shortcut available today, however, their instruction was in French. The shortcut was not shown on our map and disaster resulted. After walking 11km up and down hills we arrived back at the Gite (3 hours later), where we started. If we had followed the normal longer route our map was adequate but it was incorrect when it came to the shortcut. We accepted a little assistance to complete the day.
The latest forecast for tomorrow is rain and the distance is 25km. We have booked into the Gite (France)/ Albergue(Spain) where we commenced last year. Joseph our wonderful host is still in charge and we wish to catch up with him and thank him for his wonderful hospitality and introduction to the Camino last year. We also wish to talk to pilgrims starting out and share in their enthusiasm. Thank you to all who are following our pilgrimage and we continue to hold you in our prayers and daily candle lighting. We hope that by being pilgrims in spirit you have a better understanding of what a spiritual Camino means and have gained from your efforts. Being a pilgrim is a great privilege we have been given and we are doubly blest having the opportunity of making a second pilgrimage this year. With privilege comes responsibilities and we believe it is inherent on us to spread the concept of the pilgrimage of the Way of St Jacques to others. It is a way of giving back a little for what we have received. We do this through our “Pop Up Albergue” in the Blue Mountains, where we welcome guests who would like to obtain a Camino experience over 2 or 3 days. The Albergue runs on a cost recovery basis only and guests are looked after in the manner of an Albergue in rural Spain. We offer a garden with private areas for reflection or conversation. We recommend walking paths for all abilities because undertaking some physical activity (no matter how small) is a vital part of the Camino experience. In some cases small has been as little as 200metres. You can find us on www.popupcamino.weebly.com We will open up on request for even one person who is looking for a Camino experience. After tomorrow night’s report you may care to donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society through our donate link; should you have found our written ramblings of interest. We have enjoyed writing them and they cause us to reflect at the end of each day on our feelings and aspects of our progress. |
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