Day 4 on the Camino. St. James lays the smack down.

Me being the generally non emotional and private person I am, this will be an interesting
post...
But I know I need to say this...

After exploring Azura, I went back to the park, which is next to the main church in the center of town. As I was sitting, the church bells began to ring, so I said what the heck and went inside.

It turned out that this was the evening pilgrims’ mass. Even though it was in Spanish, it was the most beautiful and moving mass I’d ever attended.  During the ceremony, I felt absolutely drained and at the same time totally at peace, and absolutely quiet inside. Then I realized that the “spirits”of all my family members at home where there with me. My close friends too.  Not in a theoretical “ we’re there with you” way, but in a real tangible way. I could feel each one individually.

I was so happy and thankful for my life and those around me that it was actually painful.

They say the Camino gives you things when you least expect it. Well Santiago Matamoros, St. James the moor slayer laid his big sword on me at that mass.

At the end, the priest called all the peregrinos up to the altar gave us a blessing and sprinkled us with holy water. As we left church, the locals at the mass wished each of us individually “Buen Camino”.

I will never forget the infinite, immense gratitude I felt for all my blessings.