“God Sent Me”: Pilgrims to Santiago

“God Sent Me”: Pilgrims to Santiago

St. James (Santiago) was one of Christ’s twelve apostles. He was decapitated in Jerusalem (44 A.C.) after which his body was smuggled to Spain by boat. His body is said to lie inside the cathedral in Compostela, Galicia. Historically, pilgrims traveled to Santiago to pay tribute to him in this place on the most northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that was considered to be the end of the Earth before Columbus “discovered” America (1492).

St. James appeared to Christian soldiers while they resisted the occupation of Moors on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) (711 – 1492). The disciple was riding a white horse and carried a sword. This apparition gave him the nickname of “The Moor Slayer.” (Matamoros). If you look closely, you can see a Moorish soldier lying underneath his horse on many statues that depict St. James inside the Cathedral.

According to our excellent tour guide, the first pilgrims arrived to the tomb of St. James in Santiago, Spain about one hundred years after the Moorish invasion of the Peninsula began (813). The pilgrimage to this holy site became so popular that a cathedral was built. Construction began in 1075 and continued until 1140. Its two dominating architectural styles are the Romanesque and Baroque.

Each year, Santiago welcomes approximately 500,000 pilgrims. A pilgrim is someone who leaves everything in search of an intercession, or divine help. It is also a rite of purification, which explains why one of the symbols of St. James is a conch shell. The shell symbolizes baptism and is a reference to John the Baptist. The two major symbols of St. James which one finds all over the city are the conch shell and the “cross of faith” which is in the shape of a sword.

Upon completion of the journey, a pilgrim receives a conch shell as well as a plenary indulgence. This document, which can only be obtained in Santiago, Rome and Jerusalem, abstains you from all your sins and guarantees you a place in heaven. Father Steve and I compared it to the Monopoly “get out of jail free” card. In order to receive this valuable document, that is also transferable to somebody else, the pilgrim must travel at least 600 miles on foot, horse or bicycle.

When you enter the crypt inside of the Cathedral, the custom is to embrace the statue of St. James and make a petition. Since I didn’t walk or bike over 600 miles to arrive here (even though I did fly all the way from Honolulu) I wonder whether my prayer will be heard?

One of the things that I loved about the Cathedral was how plants were growing out of every nook giving it a very organic look, as if the whole structure were an ornate pot.

The picture with the law enforcement officer was taken for my brother Gabe. He was hesitant at first, but a little aloha goes a long way.