Gathering of the American Pilgrims of the Camino
Santa Barbara, California 2013
“Queen of the Missions”
It was less than an hour drive from my parents’ home in Corona, an inland suburb of LA, to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, to pick up Sandy flying in from Denver, then continue north for a 2-hour drive to Santa Barbara for a four day orientation to the Camino. I was eager to learn more about the history of the ancient pilgrimage, and how to prepare for the 6-week walk. I was also excited to meet others who had completed the journey or were leaving soon. We were meeting at the “Queen of the Missions,” a living Historical Landmark, meaning a historical site in continuous use. It was founded in 1786 by the Franciscan Order, on the Feast Day of Santa Barbara, December 4. It was the 10th mission out of 21 to be built in Alta or Upper California, as opposed to Baja or lower, California.
As I drove, Sandy read the brochure listing the program schedule and we marked which of the many offerings we each wanted to attend. We planned to attend many together and also made separate choices, sharing our notes afterwards. She leaned towards the practical information workshops on gear to take, how to pack light and logistics, like SIM cards and avoiding bedbugs, and I leaned more toward the spiritual journey and learning about the cuisine we could look forward to.
We arrived in plenty of time to settle into our sparse, monastery-like accommodations and then made our way towards the dinner hall. As we walked through the grounds and courtyard we noticed how lovely they were full of sub-tropical flowers, 1500 rose bushes, palm trees, a 200-year-old fig tree and statues.
We took seats at one of the long tables and immediately engaged in lively conversations in every direction. I had never felt so at home with a large group of people. We automatically connected through our love of Spain and its culture, the foods, the music and the Spanish language, travel and a yearning for spiritual journeys. We were mostly all over 60, since younger people had a harder time getting away from their jobs and raising children, so we had our age in common, too. Each meal during our 4 days would introduce us to the unique cuisines and wines of the ancient regions we would encounter along the way, from the Basque region of the Pyrenees through Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and finally to Galicia and Santiago.
I woke the next morning looking forward to learning all I could about the trip and Sandi share my eagerness. We attended general orientation workshops where experienced pilgrims explained the various lodging possibilities, about the food availability and the Pilgrim’s Menu of the Day, found at every hostel and restaurant, what to budget and expect for the expenses, and transportation options to arrive at our choice of starting point.
After lunch, Sandi took off to the “How to Pack Light” session, while I attended the interactive “Dimensions of the Hidden Camino: Angels and Demons, Blessings and Challenges,” which promised to guide us through an exploration of the spiritual and psychological dimensions of the journey and the return. I found myself wondering what was going to come up for me. Each workshop was a thrilling, unique, rich learning experience. I imagined myself experiencing nature up close as the landscapes changed along the way, and sensing the wonder of stepping in the footprints of the thousands of pilgrims who had walked before me for the 13 centuries.
Each evening we felt deeply enriched by unique cultural and historical entertainment, and a movie night with popcorn, where we got to see less-known Camino movies and a Cabaret Night, “evocative of evenings at the Albergue, where pilgrims share tales, songs, and camaraderie.” Ciaramella, a group of medieval/late Renaissance musicians treated us to a rare concert of intricate 15th century counterpoint on ancient instruments.
At the end of the week, the Shell Ceremony honored those departing on their first Camino, The Mission priest recited English and Spanish blessings for the journey. We then read the “Beatitudes of the Journey” together, responsively.
Beatitudes of the Pilgrim
1. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if you discover that the Camino opens your eyes to what is not seen. 2. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if what concerns you most is not to arrive, as to arrive with others. 3. Blessed are you, pilgrim, when you contemplate the Camino and you discover it is full of names and dawns. 4. Blessed are you, pilgrim, because you have discovered that the authentic Camino begins when it is completed. 5. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if your knapsack is emptying of things and your heart does not know where to hang up so many feelings and emotions. 6. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if you discover that one step back to help another is more valuable than a hundred forward without seeing what is at your side. 7. Blessed are you, pilgrim, when you don’t have words to give thanks for everything that surprises you at every twist and turn of the way. 8. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if you search for the truth and make of the Camino a life and of your life a way, in search of the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 9. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if on the way you meet yourself and gift yourself with time, without rushing, so as not to disregard the image in your heart. 10. Blessed are you, pilgrim, if you discover that the Camino holds a lot of silence, and the silence of prayer, and the prayer of meeting with the Father who is waiting for you.
Next, as the priest read these words, another priest lowered a leather cord carrying a lovely white scallop shell over our heads.
“For you, immortal pilgrim, now that you are on the Camino, may the love and peace of God be with you always. And may you, attentive to His voice, pass through the countryside sowing goodness. Receive this shell, the badge of a pilgrim, that all may recognize you as a pilgrim to Santiago de Compostela.”
It was hard to contain tears of joy when the priest circled my neck with the shell and blessed me. It was so hard to believe that this moment had truly arrived. I was now officially a Pilgrim.
I am so jealous you have been to this! I am a lifetime member and volunteer for them, but have still not been able to make it to one of these annual gatherings. Thanks for wetting my appetite again ;-)