The Pilgrim's Mass

It was SRO (standing room only) at the noon service at the cathedral in Santiago. It didn't feel much like entering church as I arrived.more like entering a Broadway theatre....and the similarities didn't stop there.

There was first rate music of course. In this case, a nun with a voice like honey. Those who came early had a little music lesson that prepared us for spots when we could sing along. Later a big pipe organ with pipes placed horizontally like cannons ready to shoot each other across the aisle joined in.

There were great costumes and hats...a lot of green trimmed with gold and the bishop's mitre had plenty of sparkle.

The set featured Santiago himself high on a throne. Pilgrims lined up behind the altar and went up a little staircase one by one and hugged the statue from behind. Every few minutes a different set of hand would appear, although the pilgrims themselves were not visible. Flanking Santiago were two giant gold angels.

There were special effects, like things flying through the air. A giant insence burner called a botofumiero dangled from the ceiling and at a high point 8 brown robed monks appeared, lit it and working together got it swinging, swooping, spewing, smoking.

It brought energy and strength and people left happy. I had promised myself chocolate and churross just once on my trip and here they are.

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I felt well blessed body, soul, mind and spirit.