The Pilgrim's Blessing

Today we walked from Reliegos to Leon. We walked most of the way with Imre. He has a good philosophy on life. I believe everyone should try to follow it as much as possible. It's not always easy though. We are shaped by our experiences in the past and long for a better tomorrow, if our todays are not quite as we had hoped. Here it is anyway, everyone has heard it once or twice before. What happened yesterday is in the past and why worry about our tomorrows as they may not even be ours. Now is what really counts and it is the only moment in life we need to make memorable and happy. We learn another thing from Imre. He takes us for our first menu del dia, or menu of the day. Remember we were getting quite sick of the pilgrim's meal and it's this man who leads us to another reasonable meal for just a little more money. The pilgrim's menu normally cost around 7 euros and the menu of the day about 10 euros and is far better than the other. Anyhow we arrived in Leon around 3pm and here I discover we are to be separated for the first time. We are staying in a monastery and girls and boys sleep in different rooms. The hospitalero explains about the rules in the monastery and I feel like I am in a scene from the Sound of Music. I get the urge to start singing " The Hills are Alive" The theme song of the same movie. It's great to have private toilets and shower facilities though. I never will get used to the idea of sharing same with the opposite sex. Anyhow it's here in Leon I will be attending my last pilgrim's blessings. They have made me feel very special but they are all in Spanish and I am not a catholic and don't really know what's expected of me during the blessing. I have found the English version of the the blessing and will share it with you here. Oh God, be a companion for them along the path, a guide at crossroads, strength in their weariness, defense before dangers, shelter on the way, shade against heat, light in the darkness, a comforter in their discouragements, and firmness in their intentions in order that, through your guidance, they may arrive unscathed at the end of their journey and enriched with graces and virtues, they may return safely to their homes which now lament their absence filled with salutatory and lasting joy.
All: Amen
May the lord direct your steps with his approval, and be your inseparable companion on the entire Camino.
All: Amen
May the virgin Mary grant you her maternal protection, defend you in all dangers of soul and body, and may you merit to arrive safely a t the end of your pilgrimage under her mantle.
All: Amen
May the archangel Rafael accompany you on the Camino as he accompanied Tobias and protect you from every injury and obstacle.
All: Amen. Well there you have it. This blessing is given in most churches along the Camino, usually around 8pm, either with or without a service prior to the blessing.