…and end up in Ireland?

Lori left La Herrerías by foot around 8 a.m. and Jane by taxi around 9, both headed up (UP!) to O Cebreiro. These villages are a mere five miles and almost 2000 feet of altitude, apart.

Yet, in this briefest of distances, we were transported to a place that looks a lot like Ireland. Including, for those entering by foot, a bagpiper (in the rain, nonetheless) welcoming us with Irish tunes!

On the way up the mountain today we passed the dividing line between the autonomous community of León and Castille and the autonomous community of Galicia. About 2000 years ago, this area was connected with the Celtics people. Somehow, bits of Celtic culture persist.

This was mostly a rest day for us. Lori’s climb, while steep, only took about 2.5 hours, leaving both of us lots of time to rest.

There’s a simple little church here that offered an evening Mass and blessing for pilgrims. The blessing was very moving.

The priest had a binder with the blessing in several languages.  He had all of us there circle the altar, and then one person from every language group read the blessing in their native tongue. A beautiful prayer and a beautiful ritual.

May love be the light of Hope in your path.

May peace abound in your heart.

May goodness be the mark of your life.

May your faith strengthen you in the mystery of life.

And when the moment comes for you to reach your goal, may LOVE embrace you eternally.

Be happy and make others happy.