Pilgrims mass and onto Portugal

So I accidentally took communion at the cathedral in Santiago today during the Catholic Pilgrim’s mass. Well, let me back up…

First, we had a relaxing night and morning in our lovely hotel in Santiago. It was the first morning since we began our pilgrimage that we had some down time. Our two main goals for the morning were to go to the Pilgrim Office and to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass at the cathedral. 

Each day of the Camino we stamped our passports at the stops. That ‘credential’ is what is reviewed at the Pilgrim’s Office to certify our pilgrimage so we could receive our Compestela, which are the certificates of completion. 

We heard this can be a lengthy process, but thankfully there were not many other pilgrims arriving at the office yesterday morning.

Within a few minutes we had our certificates and congratulations from the employee at the Pilgrim’s Office and were on our way to mass. 

As you know, my family is not Catholic, but this part of the pilgrimage felt like a meaningful and important closure to the experience. I’m so glad we went. The mass was in Spanish, so I understood very little of what was being said and sang. Claire interpreted parts to us. One message is that we all carried many things in our backpacks, but all we really need with us is God. 

When it came time for communion I wanted to respect the Catholic theology that the sacrament is only offered to those who are baptized in the Catholic Church. My friend Carrie and I decided we wanted to go up to the priest. We thought that crossing our arms in front of us was a universal symbol for refusing communion, but wishing to receive a blessing. Not at this church evidently. The priest kept pushing the wafer at my lips, while I kept closing them tighter and moving my crossed arms higher, hoping he would notice. After a couple of seconds I realized that just taking the communion was the least awkward choice. I walked back to join my family, chewing the very dry wafer. The looks of confusion, a little bit of terror, and amusement on Claire, Eliza, and Dan’s faces were priceless. 

The mass ended with the very dramatic swinging of the botafumeiro, an enormous incense burner.  It took several priests and an elaborate pulley and rope system to control it. The music, singing, and tactile experience of seeing and smelling the incesnse was very moving.

Before we left the cathedral we lit a candle for my mom. 

On our ride to Portugal I texted my pastor to tell her (and maybe confess) about communion.  Thankfully she helped me see God’s Grace in my experience. In the Methodist church we believe that communion is a sign of God’s love open to everyone without exception. Communion Sundays are my favorite at our church. I love the communal experience of serving each other and everyone being welcome at the table. It’s an important reminder to me that I was created in love and for love and that I am to share that love with my neighbor. 

I think yesterday, as I’m still grieving deeply for my mom and my body just went through a strenuous 5 day pilgrimage, this means of Grace was exactly what I needed. Thank you to the priest who persisted in making sure I received it and to Pastor Linda who helped me understand the experience 😊. 

We made it to Porto, Portugal yesterday afternoon. I’m ready to explore today! 

The pilgrimage continues.