Walking to Compostella

Well, unfortunately, I shall not be doing so this summer - it is one of those journeys I would dearly like to undertake, with so many wonderful places to see en-route as well as being a pilgrimage to one of the great shrines of the world.

Not so long ago I read Edwin Mullins' The Pilgrimage to Santiago which, although forty or so years old, is still a good introduction to the history and to the art and architecture to be seen along the way, as well as being an enjoyable travelogue. For those who cannot make the journey you can go and admire the plaster cast sculpture of the late twelfth century (1168-88) Portico de la Gloria, the great west door of the cathedral, in the V&A cast gallery. All right, not the same as going to Santiago, but still awe-inspiring.

The Pórtico de la Gloria

However in this Jacobeo year, a jubilee year occasioned by the feast of St James falling on a Sunday, Fr Daniel Seward from the Oxford Oratory will be walking part of the camino from Leon to Compostella in August, and is seeking sponsorhip for the walk in aid of the Oxford Oratory Reaffirmation and Renewal appeal. To start that off the Women's Oratory are having a tea party from 3 until 5 in the Parish Social centre on Sunday - which is St James' Day - and are offering tea and cakes, Pimms etc, as well as the chance to sign up on a sponsorship form.

This jubilee year is, of course, seeing additional pilgrims going to Compostella - the Pope will be visiting in November and TRH The Prince and Princess of the Asturias have already walked the camino this year, as can be seen in the picture on the right.