Leon y Astorga!

Leon y Astorga!

Buenos dias! Yesterday was the first day of the guided tour with Bike Spain. We didn't do any biking yesterday, though. We drove from Madrid to the town of Leon (about a 3 1/2 hour drive). Along the way we passed through the gorgeous countryside of Spain. We passed through hilltowns, sa the Royl Cemetery, where past kings, queens, princes, and princesses are buried. Franco is also buried there, but many people want his remains moved since he was a dictator and not really royalty.

Upon arriving in Leon, we had some time to eplore the city. The town is a medieval, walled town dedicated to Saint Isador (patron saint of farmers) because of his devotion to the people of the town. Leon has the old, medieval town surounded by a modern city. It is an interesting mix of time periods. We spent the night at Hotel Boccalino in the center of Plaa el Isador. Across the plaza from the hotel wasla Iglesia/Capillia de San Isaador. The chapel is a dark, sinmple bui;lding with a surprisingly huge and ornate altar piece, whih includes an elaborate tabernacle & monstrance, as well the remains of San Isador. A simple statue of Isador is located near the altar.

Also in Leon is a huge Cathedral -- Catedral de Nuetra Senora. The catedral isknown for having more stained glass than marble in its struture. Unlike the windows in Madrid's Royal Cathedral, the stained glas windows in Leon's cathedral are more decorative than story-telling. I happened to be wandering through the catedral at thetime oftheir daily mass, so I got to attend mass with the peopleof Leon, in the small chapel of the Cathedral. I lovev attending mass in different countries because the ritual of the liturgy is universal. So although I was not able to undertand eveerything that was said during the homily (I caught a good bit of it...I think), I was sstill able to participate in the rital of the mass--good thing we've practicced our Padre Nuestro! It is one of the many things I love about our faith tradition.

After mass it was time to meet up with the group. We met at our hotel and then walked through the old town to Santa Maria de Carbajal (an old convent) to get our pilgrimage passports. Each person who completes all or part of the Camino de Santiago receives a Pilgrim's passport in which they collect stmps along their journey, marking the towns through which they pass each day. Each town has their own stamp design, making it a fun way to document the journey.

So why the Camino de Santiago? Why do hundreds of thousands of people make this journey each year? and how did it all begin?

The story is that back in the midle ages, a farmer was in his fields in the northeastern part of Spain (the provence of Galecia). While tending his crops, there appeared to him a circle of stars above one area in his field. The Spirit of God told him that the bones of St. James were lying in the ground there. the farmer sent word tot eh Church officials (bishops), and the bishop traveled by foot from the border of France to the farmer's fields to investigte the claim. Upon arriving at the farmer's field, the bishop estblished that the bones were, indeed, those of St. James and deemed the area "holy ground." Since that time, people from all over the world have followed the bishop's footsteps, walking/biking/horseback riding to modern-day Santiago (meaning St. James). In the erly days of the Camino, pilgrims journeyed along the camino primarily for religious reaons -- to grow closer to God through their experience along the road. Today, pilgrims travvel or a variety of reaon, though the majoority still carry some personal, religious intention with them as they travel.

The "official" route of the Camino do Santiago follows the route originally traveled bythe bishop - beginning at the border of Frane and travelling through norhern Spain to Santiago. However, there are acually many many different Camions de Santiago. It is said that a camino de Santiago is any road that leads you to the cathedral in Santiago. With this in mind, the symbol for the Camino pilgri is a sea shell (clam shell). If you look at the shell, there are many lines all meeting at one point, just as all roads lead to Santiago. It is also said that in medieal times, the shell was a useful tool for pilgrims -- they could use them to scoop water or food. all along the Camino, there are yellow arrows, ea shells, and signs with yellow sun-like images -- marking the way to go.

Today was the first day of riding. We did a short ride from Leon to Astorga (about 40km). As I wa riding through the villages & countryside, I had time reflect on the many ways we are called to listen and follow...in a relaxed and intentional manner. How often, especially when on my bike, do I find myself speeding along without really listening to the people aroun me or seeing the gifts of creation. On this journey, I feel I am called to slow down and be fully present to each moment, each blessing, each amazingly beautiul piece of creation I encounter. I have had the chance, today, to be awed, truly awed by the landscape, the people, and the communities I encountered along the road. Now, as I sit looking out my window at a gorgeous chapel, created by Gaudi, listening to the sounds of Astorga, I send all of you at OLG (and beyond) thoughts an prayers for a day filled with awe and intentionality. May you be fully present to eah moment of your day today, taking time to listen to the God who speaks TO you through the people and creation around you, and being open to the God who speaks THROUGH you to touch the hearts of others.

Peace to you.
Buen Camino! (good journey)
Miss Hoch

ps. I'm off to explore Astorga...known for their chocolates and pastries...maybe I will like them more than cookies! I'll keep you posted. Blessing to you!