12

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James

Who We Are and What We Do

Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

The Society is a voluntary organisation, founded in 1992 by returned pilgrims to ‘give something back’ to future pilgrims in gratitude for the fellowship and spiritual renewal they had each experienced on their own Camino. It fosters an understanding and appreciation of the Camino’s related history, art, architecture and music. It issues the official Pilgrim Passport and offers an opportunity to all those interested in the Camino to meet and share practical information and experiences, especially with those intending to travel by foot or by bicycle. The Society is non-political and non-denominational, encompassing all of Ireland and is open to all.

Autumn 2013 Newsletter Issue 5

Celebrating 21 Years 1992 ~ 2013 Welcome from the Chairman

Committee and Friends sporting their new colours

Another busy Camino season is drawing to a close. To date the overall numbers of Pilgrims walking the Camino have shown an increase of 12% over 2012, whilst Pilgrims starting from Saint Jean Pied de Port have increased by 14%. On the Camino Francés the numbers starting at Sarria have risen dramatically to 70% compared to 39% in 2012. The numbers of Irish pilgrims, over 4592 at 31st October. A 40% increase on 2012. Pádraig MacSweeney The call of the Camino is being answered by growing Chairman numbers of pilgrims. Three generations of one family walking the Camino together. In April I had the great joy and privilege of walking from Sarria to Santiago with my daughter Gráinne and grandson Ian, as part of a group of Transition Year students and their mothers. Don’t waste the long dark evenings and nights of the next few months Dream the dream and plan your 2014 Camino for realisation next year.

The Pilgrim Passport and Compostela To stay in pilgrim hostels (albergues), a Pilgrim Passport is required. To claim a Compostela, the traditional certificate of pilgrimage granted by the Cathedral authorities in Santiago, a Pilgrim Passport stamped for each day travelled will be required as proof of your journey. Pilgrims starting in Galicia require two stamps per day. Our Activities and Events • Annual St. James Day Mass St. James’s Church, James St., Dublin 8. • Issuing Pilgrim Passports • Camino Information Days • Talks & Public Lectures • Newsletters • Email and telephone enquiries/helpline • The Book of Pilgrims to Santiago • Amigo Service, Santiago • Annual Dinner

St. James’s Church, James St. Dublin 8

Passport & Annual Membership Passports: €10 Membership of the Society: Single €25, Couple €40, Student €10, Senior (over 60) €15 Cheque/Postal Order to: The Treasurer, The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James, 36. Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. (postal address only)

Passing on the Camino torch

Looking forward to meeting you at our AGM on 1st December and at our Annual Dinner on 15th February 2014.

Highlights of this Issue

For more information www.stjamesirl.com Email: [email protected] Newsletter: [email protected] Send us your Camino stories and memories for future editions Call Betty Tuite at: 085 781 9088 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Society-of-theFriends-of-St-James/110131172387472

For more information, visit our website

www.stjamesirl.com or call: 085 781 9088

The Cooley Camino

Pilgrims Tales

Santiago train crash - pilgrims’ prayers

El Camino de Santiago The Way of St. James

2

11

Canticle of the Sun

Guides & Books Ian Keating

Transition Years Students on the Camino

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

by Marie-Virginie Cambreis

36 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4. Ph: 085 781 9088

and Lauriane Clouteau. ISBN;978-2-916446-39-4. Publisher; Les Editions du Vieux Crayon—www.levieuxcrayon.com

Easter of Transition Year seemed an ideal opportunity to walk the final stretch of the Camino., from Sarria to Santiago. I have grown up hearing stories of, and meeting pilgrims from the Camino. My grandad gives a talk on the Camino to the Transition Year students in my school each year so he set the seed. My school Midleton College has a special link with the Camino as there are five scallop shells set in a cross as part of our crest. In First Year we were each presented with a scallop shell to symbolise our Camino in secondary education.

Adam & Ian - TY Camino 2013

With three of my classmates and accompanied by our mums, an older sister and grandad we decided to head off. After much planning and training!!!! by the mums, we started our journey with a blessing on the College steps. It was a special week and we walked in all weathers bar snow. We enjoyed the food and the people we met en route. Buen Camino was the greeting of the week. At the end of each day it was great to access wifi in the Hostel. I was proud to reach Santiago, proud to have carried my rucksack. Grandad was proud to have walked with his daughter and grandson. Words cannot describe the experience. To walk alone, to walk with friends, strangers, in all weathers and through the countryside, villages, towns, woods, in the daylight and in the dark-it was a wonderful experience, a time to reflect and think. It was an achievement. A memory to be cherished. Ian Keating

The Book of Pilgrims to Santiago Ireland offers a unique contribution to the Camino The Book of Pilgrims to Santiago celebrates the achievement of all those who have made the pilgrimage to Santiago. The Book of Pilgrims, illustrated with fine drawing and margin notes of poetry, quotation and musings, records the names of Pilgrims who have reached Santiago. It will be kept on display at the Church of St James, James’s Street in Dublin 8. To have your name inscribed in the book, send a photocopy of your Compostela (non-returnable) and print clearly your name as you wish it to be inscribed together with a donation of €10 to: Betty Tuite The Irish Society of the Friends of St James, 36 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4. El Camino De Santiago

“MIAM MIAM DODO-2013”

Camino Guidebooks by John Brierley can be ordered from; Betty Tuite, The Irish Society of the Friends of St James,

Price; € 19.00

Camino Fr anc é s €25

Camino Po r tug ué s €20

Camino Finis te rr e €15

Book review Brendan J.Smyth “CAMINO LINGO” by Reinette Novova and Sylvia Nilsen. ISBN; 978-2-917183-24-3. Publisher; a Lightfoot guide by Pilgrim Publications. Price; €8.99 or e-book from Amazon

For those who may not have confidence in speaking Spanish this very attractive little publication is a Godsend. It is light, compact and above all makes plain in the opening pages that it is not a book which will confuse the reader with declensions, conjugations and a plethora of esoteric expressions. It is, in short, a compendium of the basic Spanish words and phrases, most with a minimum of verbs and adjectives that one might require when tackling any of the Spanish Caminos either on foot or by cycle. Its lay-out comprises five chapters;” Before you go”; “Your accommodation”; “Food”: “On the Camino”; and “Money”. In addition there are four short appendices to help the reader; “Basic pronunciation and the alphabet”; “Sound – alike words”; “Menu reader and Tapas” ;and “Blessings.” The chapter dealing with life “On the Camino” includes sections relating to “Health and Medical and Emergencies.” To finish off it contains 26 pages of English/Spanish dictionary concentrating on Camino relevant words with help at pronunciation. In short this little book is a must for anyone less than fluent in Spanish who is contemplating any of the Spanish Caminos. In this reviewer’s experience the locals will truly appreciate any effort one makes to converse in Spanish, even if faltering!

Ever wondered how the French pilgrims are able to suss out the best sleeping quarters? Well here’s the answer; the “Miam-Miam-Dodo” covers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago/Finisterre with details of every plush habitation (yes including Pardores!) and hole in the hedge and everything in between. It is printed in French but that will not be a handicap for those who may not be familiar with that language as each entry has pictograms to describe the facilities .The route is broken down into stages and each stage opens with a coloured map (1cm=375m) showing elevations graded in different colours and the route of the Camino. Each map has a pictogram of facilities –albergues, hostels, hotels, hospitals, pharmacies, information offices, post offices, restaurants, supermarkets/shops etc. In addition to showing the geographic North it shows the direction from which the sun will shine relative to your passage along the Camino from East to West. The maps have a small blank space upon which one may have a seal impressed. The pictograms bear a number and accompanying each map is separate page bearing the corresponding numbers giving t address; telephone number; e-mail address; web site; number of sleeping places (and indicating whether doubles are available); availability to cyclists; cost of meals and over-nights; opening and closing times; and seasons of operation; Mass times; times of opening of churches, museums etc. The book has sections dealing with (in French) what to carry; when to travel; the pilgrim’s passport (obtainable from the Irish Society of the Friends of St.James-www.stjamesirl.com); what to expect at accommodations; medical assistance; donativos; baggage transport; a short glossary and finally, should the reader wish to travel with a four-footed friend, a section to help one choose between a horse and an ass! In conclusion this is a very portable little book that will be of inestimable value to those who travel independently the Camino Frances, whether finding accommodation ad hoc on the day or pre-planning in advance. The bewilderment at the trouble that the authors have gone to in compiling information is almost over- shadowed by their consideration of the importance of weight carried when they inform that the entire book weighs 240gms but if one tears out the introduction the weight will be reduced to 200gms! A word of caution; if buying this book on-line the reader should seek out the 2013 edition. There are a number of web sites offering currently at high prices earlier editions of the book and it may be fair to assume that the older the edition the less accurate the information. Brendan J.Smyth Autumn 2013 Newsletter

10

3

The Camino: an American’s Perspective

Cooley walk

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

Betty Tuite

Robert Noe

My reason for walking the Camino were purely religious. I was angry at God for taking my bride of 33 years. I started my journey in a small village in the south of France, St Jean Pied-De-Port. I walked alone up the Pyrenees stretching my muscles to their fullest capabilities. I passed a statue of Our Lady, it gave me great comfort, later a wayside cross and a memorial. My reasons were clear as the brightest day why I was here. Several days passed and I had obtained a deep sense of peace. I would rise before the sun awoke walking to the next village for a cup of coffee, the Spaniards are invisible until 9 or 10 AM. There was always a pilgrim to talk to on the way, or a Church to enter for morning prayers and refection. I accompanied many pilgrims who were there for secular reasons.

Cooley Mountain, 27th July 2013

The word on The Camino was that from Burgos to Leon you die and from Leon to Santiago your reborn. This was not a physical death but a spiritual one. You were now walking thru the Meseta’s, high plain country of Spain with few villages, this part of the walk would test anyone’s spirit. My American thinking was that after Leon it would be all downhill to Santiago, wrong thinking. I had two more mountain ranges to cross. The steep climb up to O Cebreiro was a challenge, but rewarded with a Mass with several other pilgrims I met along the way, even some none Catholics. Lunch followed with lots of laughter and joy.

Robert Noe a Pilgrim of The Camino 64 years young who walked 900km

I walked and talked with other pilgrims from all over the world, sharing stories of pain , sorrow and expectations. The Camino is not just a path for walking or hiking it is a path of reflections, it was a living microcosm of life. The Camino brought great joy , happiness, and fellowship. I enter Santiago with tears of joy that flowed like a spring rain from my face. I attended the pilgrims Mass and prayed for all those who lost their lives in a terrible train wreck. I had finished the Camino with several extra days left on my holiday and was persuaded to continue to Fiesterra, 90km to the end of the known world. I would highly recommend anyone to this part of the Camino. When you reach Fiesterra you are rewarded with the Atlantic Ocean, great beaches and a lovely sunset. God forgave me for my anger. I learned that God was not happy with me either, having to send his only Son to be Crucified for everyone sins including mine, so that we can have eternal happiness. Christ was both God and Man and knew the pain I was suffering, , and yes I would do the Camino again.

Early this year I had a phone call from Liam McCauley who runs Irish Guide Tours and in the course of our conversation I asked Liam if he would do a walk for The Irish Society in the Cooley’s. Liam believes that a version of the Camino may have existed in the Cooley Peninsula in medieval times. St James is the patron saint of all who live in the Cooley’s. On 27th July 2013 we set off by bus from Dublin at 9am on a lovely July morning with Liam as our guide for the day. We arrived at Fitzpatrick’s Pub and Restaurant in Rockmarshall where all 49 of us enjoyed morning coffee and scones. This is a short version of our day We set off for Faughart to St Brigid’s Shrine and St Brigid’s Well, where according to tradition she was born in 450 AD. At the shrine there are 10 stone stations where some of the stones have a cure for certain ailments. There is also an Offering Tree on this site. We then travelled to St Brigid’s Well in Faughart Hill Graveyard were Liam and his friend Paul gave us the history of the area. Edward Bruce fought in the battle of Faughart Hill in 1318 and was killed and buried in this graveyard.

AGM and Talk “3 Millions Steps from Holy Cross Abbey to Santiago de Compostela”

We started our 2 hour walk in Kilwirra where an ancient path leads directly towards the village of Grange and St James’s Church. The views overlooking Carlingford Bay were spectacular and as we walked towards Grange we stopped for lunch and then visited ruins of an old house and farmyard.

Sunday 1st December 2013, AGM 1.00pm; Talk 2.00pm

We arrived at St James’s Church where we had a lovely services led by Rev Monsignor Jim Carroll. This church dates back to 1762 and is decorated with Camino shells on its pillars. Some pilgrims before travelling to Spain are now getting their Camino passports stamped in this church.

Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Burlington Hotel) Upper Lesson St, Dublin 4 Admission Free - All Welcome Members of the Society will be available to provide information and answer queries. Pilgrim Passports, Guide Books and other materials available for purchase.

Date for your diary:

Society Annual Dinner Saturday 15 February 2014 Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club Bookings: Betty Tuite 085 781 9088

We finished our day with a lovely dinner in Fitzpatrick Pub and were back in Dublin by 9pm. I would like to thank Fr Jim and Liam for all their help in organising the day. This was a most interesting day and I would highly recommend a day in the Cooley Peninsula. Looking forward to our next trip - any ideas? Betty Tuite

El Camino De Santiago

Autumn 2013 Newsletter

4

9

Mullingar Camino Walk

Camino Train Crash

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

Sam R Gibson

Mary Wynne

Last September a group of 27 walkers left Mullingar to walk the final section of The Camino from Sarria to Compostela. This year, on 27th July Mullingar again walked The Camino Way, but not through the Spanish countryside. This walk was much closer to home. This Camino walk stretched across the rolling hills of north Westmeath, starting at the ancient site at Fore Abbey and ending at the graves of Mullingar’s monks in the grounds of Mullingar Cathedral. In total a distance of 24 km. It all began on a glorious July morning, with sunshine and temperatures to rival Spain as coaches carrying over 400 “pilgrims” left Mullingar cathedral to journey to Fore Abbey. At 10.00a.m. Bishop M. Smith spoke to the assembled group and blessed their undertaking. Then a happy, eager, varied and colourful group of over 400 walkers in all shapes, ages and sizes put their best feet forward and set off towards Mullingar. Many well placed bright yellow Camino signs ensured we all stayed on track. Local people opened their homes along the way with water, tea, coffee, sandwiches and fruit to keep the spirits up. Local Gardai ensured we all walked in safety. All along the route sound of chat, laughter and Buen Camino could be heard. Families came in cars to urge on loved ones who had undertaken the walk and to hand out fresh water and even ice-creams to outstretched hands. Camino stamps 5 in all, could be had along the way. These stamps related to Mullingar Monks the rich and varied ancient history of each section of the route. Loughegar primary school, about ¾ of the way home opened its doors and had a marvellous array of drinks, sandwiches and cakes waiting for all. What a treat that was!! As the sun rose high in the clear blue afternoon sky the tall spires of Mullingar Cathedral came into view - a welcome sight for footsore walkers. Coming into Mullingar town many stopped at the statue of the two Mullingar monks as a mark of solidarity with fellow walkers and possibly with a new understanding of what these men had achieved in their day in the middle ages. As we climbed the steps of the cathedral Bishop Smith greeted everyone and signed Camino passports as a souvenir of the day. By 5.30 p.m. the last of the weary foot soldiers arrived home. For these last walkers the sun had vanished as can only happen in Ireland and the rain lashed down. However they were still smiling and delighted with their achievement. Not even Irish rain could dampen the enthusiasm of the day!!!! The camaraderie, fun, chat and friendships forged along the way that day made this a very memorable event, not just for the individuals on the walk, but also for Mullingar and the area we all walked through. Many could not believe they had accomplished such a long walk. Time and again the organising committee have been asked if this walk will be undertaken again in the future and who knows???? The whole day certainly brought a great buzz and sense of adventure to the town and was a major topic of conversation in the town for weeks afterwards. To all the families, groups and stewards who generously and enthusiastically helped and supported us along the way the organising committee would like to offer a huge “Thank You”, you certainly added greatly to the enjoyment and the safety of the day. Well done to Fr. Michael and his hardworking team Go n-éirí an bother libh!

El Camino De Santiago

Wherever We Are In a photo from another life, Old friends stare, smiling upwards As the fireworks cascade above the streets of Santiago. Today there’s no fiesta; no fireworks will explode. The minstrels all are silent. The pilgrims, treading lightly, bow their heads in Praza Obradoiro. And wherever we are, we stand beside them. Sam R Gibson July 25th 2013. (For the victims of the Santiago train disaster and all the peregrino friends I have made en d’el Camino ).

President Higgins lays a floral tribute in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in memory of the victims of the tragic rail accident which took place on 24 July immediately outside the city. The President met with the Mayor of Santiago who accompanied him on a visit to the Cathedral.

PILGRIM GREETS PILGRIMS Lesley Rankin

The queue of pilgrims on the stairs outside the Pilgrim Office in Santiago de Compostela disintegrates into a stream of individuals as each comes through the door, with his or her own personal story to tell. Some have walked from as far away as Amsterdam or Vienna, even Holy Cross Abbey near Thurles, or St James’ Church on the Cooley Peninsula, but the majority have walked or cycled much shorter distances, perhaps only the required 112 km from Sarria on the Camino Francés or the 115km from Valença/Tui on the Portugeuse/Spanish border. No matter how great or how relatively short the distance covered, the sense of achievement and relief is almost palpable when the pilgrim realizes on arrival that (s)he has indeed qualified to be issued with a Compostela. The office is well accustomed both to smiles and tears when pilgrims receive this highly prized certificate. The reasons why people have undertaken a Camino are many and varied. One young Polish girl, who met her husband on the Camino two years ago and married him in April last, has returned alone to walk the whole of the Camino Francés and on out to Fisterra to thank God for bringing them together-unfortunately he couldn’t get time off work to join her this time! Mission accomplished, she can’t wait to get back home now. This period of separation has seemed endless to them both.

Robert Byrne who walked from St. James Church on the Cooley Peninsuka to Santiago, receiving his Compotela in the Pilgrims Office from Irish Amigo Lesley Rankin.

A recently widowed lady has walked in memory of her husband and a young man has just given up his job. Both are walking the Camino to try and find out where life may take them next. A Presbyterian minister and his wife have walked asking for God’s guidance before taking up an appointment as mission partners in Japan. An elderly priest is slightly disappointed and yet encouraged by the fact that he is not, at 82, the oldest person to have walked a Camino this year! A Frenchman arrives alone. His father, his daughter and he have just arrived on horseback from Brittany and the horses have been refused entry to the town. As the Compostela must be presented to each pilgrim personally, I am given permission to take them to the outskirts of the town when I find three contented horses grazing on some waste land watched over by two very appreciative pilgrims. This has been a most significant journey for the three generations of one family. Autumn 2013 Newsletter

8

5

Camino de Santiago Chaplaincy

The Way from Lourdes to St Jean Pied de Port Fr Alan Neville MSC

In August of this year a new initiative was launched in Santiago Cathedral. It wasn’t especially big. There was certainly no fanfare. But it was significant. It was a new ministry of welcome targeted at English speaking pilgrims arriving at the end of their Camino and it was a great success. Santiago Cathedra photo by: A. Schneiderl.

In speaking with many people who have walked the Way over the years one of the recurring challenges is that their arrival in the Cathedral, after such a profound and moving experience, can be something of a letdown. To address this a number of priests and religious came together to offer a programme that encompassed both the sacramental and reflective needs of the pilgrims. Reconciliation was available in the morning and afternoon. We celebrated Mass in English, after which we all headed out for coffee together. It was a valuable opportunity for people to share their stories and enjoy a café con leche. The religious sisters spoke with people who arrived in the Cathedral or were waiting in the queue outside the pilgrim office. We also had an ecumenical Taize meditation in the evening. The Dean of the Cathedral and the Pilgrim Office team are entirely behind the project and together we are exploring ways of growing it next year. We are currently looking for priests and religious who are open to working for at least a week as part of the English speaking chaplaincy team. If you would like more information you can contact Fr. Alan Neville MSC on (086)7857955 ( Ire ) / (075) 26764236 ( UK ) or by email [email protected]

This summer 18 year old Paul Brennan from Co Antrim walked the Camino with his aunt Una Lynch. Their pilgrimage walk began from Lourdes, along the Chemin du Piémont, seven memorable days (150Km) to St Jean de Pied Port. Day one of our Camino started with early mass at the grotto from there we headed up the hill past the basilica. A reassuring Camino symbol is clearly visible. Unfortunately other Camino signage is sparse and we soon faced the first challenge: should we turn right or left? Thankfully help was on hand, we were directed towards a magnificent forest park. Throughout that first day our trust in the Camino was tested as we trekked through dense vegetation, climbed steep forest sides and clambered over the debris of a bridge that had buckled in the floods. From Lourdes until our arrival in Asson the only other walkers that we met were a group of wild boar. Thankfully they were also surprised to see us and made a hasty retreat into the forest. Asson is a tiny picturesque village with a population of about 1,600. The albergue is beside the church and although very basic, it was clean and the shower had a copious supply of hot water. The albergue has only two beds and when we returned after dinner (in the village’s only restaurant) we met fellow pilgrim Marie-José settling down on a mattress on the floor.

The parish priest in Arudy generously opens his home to pilgrims and asks only for a donation. Joining with three other pilgrims, from Catalonia, we had great fun preparing and eating a dinner together, as is custom in the house. The first five or six kilometres, from Arudy to OloronSainte-Marie, are along a busy main road with dangerous curves. Pilgrims need to stay vigilant at all times. The remainder of the walk is very beautiful and through tranquil countryside. The Albergue in Oloron

El Camino De Santiago

Coffee breack

Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

Una Lynch

The walk from Asson to Arudy took us through rich and fertile countryside. Farmers in the area hang bells of varying sizes around their cattle’s necks and the resulting music is magnificent and a tremendous boost to weary pilgrims. Not surprisingly given the area’s strong association with the tour de France circuit there were also a few character building hills.

Fr Alan Neville MSC, Vocations Director, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. www.mscvocations.com

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James

Paul Brennan and Una Lynch

is modern and clean and the ancient quarter of the city is perfect for dandering. The 12th century church in L’Hopital Saint Blaise is a UNESCO heritage site. An evening spent soaking up the scenery, atmosphere and wonderful food in restaurant Saint Blaise is a powerful tonic for pilgrims. The road to Mauleon was described as flat in the guide sheet that we had picked up in Lourdes. In reality it is one of those blessed Irish roads that rise to meet you at every turn. The last two days took us deep into the heart of rugged French/Basque countryside. Judging by the hunters and dogs that we met, and the menu and décor in Maison Briseteia in St Just Ibarré - ducks, boar and deer are all considered fair game. Entering St Jean de Pied Port through St James’ door and walking along the cobbled streets of that historical city was a wonderful experience. The first stage of our journey completed, we would now join the hundreds of fellow pilgrims to ascend the Pyrenees and make our way to Compostela. For further information email: [email protected]

Autumn 2013 Newsletter

6

7

Million steps

Santiago at last...

Holycross Abbey, Tipperary to Santiago

The Irish Society of the Friends of St. James Cumann Cáirde San Séamus i nÉirinn

Michael Walsh & Yvonne Tyler

On Sunday 07 April 2013, Michael Walsh and Yvonne Tyler commenced a 2000 km pilgrimage on foot from Holycross Abbey to the Cathedral of St. James Santiago in Galicia Spain in aid of Rehabcare Thurles & Cottage Autism Network Wexford. During the 11am Mass in the Abbey celebrated by Fr Celsus Tierney, their walking sticks, passports and pilgrim shells were blessed. Their passports were stamped with the Holycross Abbey stamp the first of many along the way. At a reception in the Community Hall a large crowd of family, friends and supporters shared a cup of tea with Michael and Yvonne before they set off for Cashel on the first leg of their epic journey. John Bourke of Holycross Community Network presented the intrepid travellers with two small tokens of admiration for the mammoth task they were undertaking. The pendants were carved in oak that was used in the roof of the Abbey. A word of thanks was offered to Pat McGrath, sacristan at the Abbey, for sourcing the piece of oak from which the pendants were carved by Tom Gallagher. These showed the medieval crest of the Abbey which is a simple cross in relief. This crest is displayed in two shrines in the Abbey itself. It is carved on the canopy of the Sedilia beside the English royal coat of arms. One of the pendants will remain in the Cathedral in Santiago, and on the 29th of September 2013, we returned the remaining Pendant to Holycross Abbey as a mark of this journey and to link both places of Christian Pilgrimage

Every day in the Cathedral of St James in Santiago Spain a Pilgrims Mass is held at noon, it welcomes Pilgrims who have made the journey to Santiago de Compostela. On the 11th of July 2013 Michael and Yvonne completed the Pilgrimage from Holycross Abbey to Santiago. At this Mass they and 14 friends and family members had the privilege of attending as guests of Dom Segundo Pérez López, the Dean of the Cathedral. During the mass Michael and Yvonne presented the Holycross Pendants to Dom Segundo Pérez López he blessed both Pendants with the following words..... “At this Mass today we welcome two pilgrims from Ireland, Michael Walsh and Yvonne Tyler. They arrived at this Cathedral today having walked every step of the way from the abbey of Holy Cross in County Tipperary in Ireland. The abbey of Holy Cross like the Cathedral of Santiago became a place of pilgrimage. Michael and Yvonne have made a long journey of faith. Along the way, in France and in Spain they have been joined by 14 other Irish pilgrims. Today they mark their arrival by offering before the Tomb of Saint James a wooden medallion depicting the Cross of Christ our Saviour carved from the original wood of the abbey of Holy Cross. I accept this on behalf of the Cathedral of Santiago and pray that every grace and blessing is bestowed on these worthy pilgrims. I offer them our thanks and congratulations.” Yvonne Tyler and Michael Walsh

The Abbey crest is also on the shrine called The Waking Bier in the south transept. Here it is displayed in the hands of a kneeling angel. Both the Sedilia and The Waking Bier are regarded as the highpoint of Cistercian art in Ireland. Michael Long pointed out that the official Cistercian date for the foundation of Holycross is 1213 AD. So this year its 800th anniversary. Michael and Yvonne were greatly moved by the gesture. They left one of the pendants at St. James tomb and brought the other back with them. Both Yvonne and Michael thanked their family and friends for their support because without their help they could not undertake such a journey.

After some photos, chats and farewells they set off past the Abbey and over the Suir Bridge. Many friends accompanied them on the first leg of the journey to Cashel. From there it was on to Cork where they got the ferry to Roscoff, Brittany, France. Walking for over 13 weeks they walked down the west coast of France and joined the Camino Francés at the foot of the Pyrenees. There were still over 800 Km to walk before they reached the Cathedral in Santiago! At different stages of the walk they were joined by family members, friends and supporters so they had company for much of the way.

Holycross to Santiago - for Cian and Anna Michael Walsh, Yvonne Tyler, families and friends 11 July 2013

Michael and Yvonne will share their journey at our AGM on Sunday 1 December in the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Burlington Hotel)

El Camino De Santiago

Autumn 2013 Newsletter