Pilgrims' Mass, Roncesvalles, Spain

After dinner in Roncesvalles, all guests were invited to a Pilgrim's Mass in this small church that was decorated with German stained glass windows made in 1944. The Spanish Catholic service included reading a list of countries of origin and numbers of pilgrims registered that day. Edith and I were the only Canadians in the ledger today. Then a special prayer was made for good health and protection of all pilgrims on their journey.
The service brought strong emotions to the forefront. It felt nice to be given a blessing by strangers that cared for us even though they'll never see us again.
Afterward, the priest invited us down into the crypt below the altar. This domed shaped room was decorated with stars on the ceiling and amazing frescoes and stone carvings. When one pilgrim sang "Amazing Grace", the acoustics brought tears to my eyes. As her voice rose and echoed around me, it was like a choir of angels singing from on High.Read more