Although walking the Camino de Santiago, or the Vía de los Andes, takes physical effort, pilgrimage is essentially a spiritual experience. For that reason it is very advisable to take some time for inner preparation before starting the route, just as you prepare physically.
Before leaving, you can go to your parish priest for advice and for a recommendation of some material. In general, the pilgrim should prepare for reflection and prayer along the Camino, starting a few days before leaving.
The Apostle James
Whatever route you choose, the goal of the Camino is the tomb of the Apostle James in Compostela. Who was James? What is his relationship with us? Why do so many people make a pilgrimage to his tomb? Answering these questions is the first step of every pilgrimage. These books can help you:
- El Apóstol Santiago y su Sepulcro , by Juan José Cebrián Franco. Ediciones Paulinas.
- Santiago, el Hijo del Trueno . A comic inspired by the life of the Apostle. Pilgrim Reception Office in Santiago.
- El Apóstol Santiago y su proyección en la Historia. Diez temas didácticos . Pilgrim Reception Office.
Also read the biography of the Apostle James .
The reasons for your pilgrimage
We recommend that you reflect on your reasons for making a pilgrimage. Traditionally they were classified into three: a personal wish, the fulfilment of a vow or promise, or penance. Some people come attracted by the culture or the landscape, but all motivations complement the spiritual and religious essence of the Camino, which very often brings pilgrims closer to God.
These are the reasons pilgrims state most often:
- To find themselves.
- To find meaning in life.
- To enjoy an environment that encourages reflection.
- To keep a promise.
- To meet other pilgrims.
- To follow in the steps of the millions of pilgrims who have walked the same Camino for centuries.
- To learn from the culture and art along the Camino.
- To honour James, one of Christ's disciples.
- To deepen and enrich their faith.
Blessing before leaving
Many pilgrims wish to receive the Pilgrim's Blessing before leaving, and we encourage you to do so. Write to us at peregrinos@caminosantiago.cl to arrange it (more information at Pilgrim's Blessing ), or pray one of these prayers yourself.
Blessing 1 (Codex Calixtinus, sermon "Veneranda dies")
"In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, receive this satchel, the habit of your pilgrimage, so that, chastened and amended, you hurry to arrive at the feet of James, where you long to arrive, and so that, after making the journey, you return to our side with joy, with the help of God, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Receive this staff; may it be a support for the walk and for the labour of your pilgrimage, so that you can overcome the hosts of the enemy and arrive safely at the feet of James, and after making the journey, return to us with joy, with the consent of the same God, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen."
Blessing 2
God the Father: we pray for these pilgrims (names), who are preparing to set out on a pilgrimage to the tomb of James the Greater, in Santiago de Compostela. In this way they will honour the Apostle James, friend of Jesus and martyr for his faith. That faith has a long tradition of pilgrimages, and thousands of the faithful travel to that holy place for religious reasons. The word "pilgrim" comes from the Latin peregrinus , which means "foreigner": someone who travels out of faith to a place far from their usual life. That is why Abraham is recognized as the first pilgrim of the Scriptures, because he was called to travel to the land chosen by God. Centuries later, his descendants made a pilgrimage from Egypt to the promised land. The birth of Jesus is marked by the pilgrimage of the Magi, who followed the star to pay homage to the Messiah, and Jesus himself made a pilgrimage many times to Jerusalem. We pray that (names) will be inspired by these examples of pilgrimage from the Holy Scriptures.
God the Father, we ask you to bless these scallop shells, traditional symbols of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela; we pray that (names) will reach their destination at the tomb of the Apostle. We ask you to bless these walking sticks and backpacks, symbols of the support that (names) will receive from their friends and from those they will meet on the way. And bless (names) so that they travel safely and enjoy days of happy companionship, of prayerful walking and of restful nights of sleep until the end of their journey.
Together we now say the pilgrims' prayer: Apostle James, chosen among the first, you were the first to drink the cup of the Lord and you are the great protector of pilgrims; make us strong in faith and joyful in hope as we walk as pilgrims along the path of Christian life, and encourage us so that, in the end, we may reach the glory of God the Father. Amen.
(Names), as you set out on pilgrimage from this place, may your heart be filled with love and may the good wishes of all who know you go with you. May the land become a road before your steps; may the wind always blow at your back; may the sun shine warm on your face; may the rain fall softly on your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: Pilgrim's Office of Santiago de Compostela.