Discover Spain and Portugal on the Portuguese Camino Luther College Alumni and Friends Walking Tour July 6–18, 2012 • Hosted by Luisa and Peter Forsgren ’82 Presorted First Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid Rochester, MN Permit No. 289 Office of Alumni Relaons Luther College 700 College Drive Decorah, IA 52101-1043 Address Service Requested HISTORY OF THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES PILGRIMAGE The legend that Saint James found his way to the Iberian Peninsula and preached there is one of a number of early tradions concerning the missionary acvies and final resng places of the apostles of Jesus. Although the 1884 Bull of Pope Leo XIII Omnipotens Deus accepted the authencity of the relics at Compostela, the Vacan remains uncommied as to whether the relics are those of Saint James the Great, while connuing to promote the more general benefits of a pilgrimage to the site. According to a tradion (which cannot be traced before the 12th century), the relics were said to have been discovered in 814 by The- odomir, bishop of Aria Flavia in the far north- west of the principality of Asturias. Theodomir was guided to the spot by a star, the legend claims, and drawing upon a familiar myth element, the area was named Compostela—a corrupon of Campus Stellae, “Plain of Stars.” The 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Sanago de Compostela is known in English as the Way of St. James and in Galician as the Camiño de Sanago. More than 100,000 pilgrims travel to the city each year from points all over Europe and other parts of the world. The pilgrimage is the subject of the 2010 movie The Way, starring Marn Sheen. THE CAMINO PORTUGUÉS (Portuguese Way) Although the pilgrimage from Portugal to Sanago is assumed to have already been in existence in the Late Middle Ages, it became even more popular aſter the country gained its independence in the mid 12th century. From that me on, the veneraon of Saint James and the pilgrimage to Sanago de Compostela, con- sidered to be one of the hallmarks of identy of European culture, had far reaching effects in Lusitanian lands. For centuries, the Portuguese people parcipated enthusiascally in this collecve experience, and they had the good fortune to be consistently supported by the example of monarchs, members of the nobility and the high clergy. From the 12th century up unl today, much of Portugal’s road network has seen the comings and goings of pilgrims heading from towns and cies all over the country—Lis- bon, Santarem, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Chaves— to their goal of Sanago de Compostela. Their moves were strictly religious, yet thanks to this steady flow of movement between Portugal and Galicia, cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange has also flourished. The Portuguese Way in Galicia is the result of a combinaon of historical factors: bridges, country chapels, sanctuaries, wayside crosses, manor houses, and historic cies dot the route that starts on the banks of the Minho river in the city of Tui, and ends at the tomb of Saint James. The Portuguese Way in Galicia is rich in cultural heritage, which extends beyond archi- tecture and museums to become a privileged route with some of Galicia’s finest examples of art. The Portuguese Way gently winds northward, along ancient tracks and paths run through woodlands, farmlands, villages, towns, and historic cies. Paths that cross courses of water flowing under bridges—some of Roman origin— of unmistakable medieval construcon. A route enriched by the presence of chapels, churches, convents, petos de animas—stone altars usually found at crossroads—and cruceiros (wayside crosses), where the comforng image of San- ago the Pilgrim is ever-present, to accompany and hearten the pilgrim on his journey. The hospitality offered by the people is proverbial. One of the hallmarks of the pilgrim- age to Sanago is the warm recepon pilgrims receive. This pracce was started in the Middle Ages by the monks and clergymen serving the hospitals founded by the monarchs and the nobility. This welcoming lay tradion is kept alive today by the inhabitants of the towns scaered along the Way and the pilgrims’ hostels. The inhabitants of the area around the Portuguese Way feel a special devoon to Saint James and offer encouragement to those traveling to Compostela on the old paths that make up this pilgrimage route. A route Via XIX is the direct descendent of the major Roman roads that formed the backbone of the Roman Gallaecia and connued to be in use for many centuries. Built in the first century A.D. under the Emperor Augustus, it was known in classical works as the Inerary of Antonino, established at the beginning of the third century A.D. during Caracalla’s me. This ancient tesmony is proof of the vitality of this via from very early mes. Since the Middle Ages, the Portuguese Way has maintained the tradion of exchange between neighbors that began during the days of the Ro- man Empire. Despite its unquesonable historical back- ground, modern road networks have affected the Portuguese Way. At mes, the pilgrims must forget the dirt paths and stone-paved ways to walk along the verge of the N-550 road between Vigo and A Coruna. The road follows the Portuguese Way to Sanago, something of a drawback for those seeking to recapture the essence of the original pilgrims’ way. However, these discomforts are fleeng, and are fully compensated for when the pilgrim finishes the different legs of the journey on this route of devoon, art, and culture, which offers an undisputed wealth of monumental and natural heritage.
Transcript
Discover Spain and Portugal on the Portuguese Camino
Luther College Alumni and Friends Walking TourJuly 6–18, 2012 • Hosted by Luisa and Peter Forsgren ’82
Presorted First Class Mail
U.S. Postage PaidRochester, MNPermit No. 289
Office of Alumni RelationsLuther College700 College DriveDecorah, IA 52101-1043
Address Service Requested
HISTORY OF THE WAY OF SAINT JAMES PILGRIMAGEThe legend that Saint James found his way to the Iberian Peninsula and preached there is one of a number of early traditions concerning the missionary activities and final resting places of the apostles of Jesus. Although the 1884 Bull of Pope Leo XIII Omnipotens Deus accepted the authenticity of the relics at Compostela, the Vatican remains uncommitted as to whether the relics are those of Saint James the Great, while continuing to promote the more general benefits of a pilgrimage to the site. According to a tradition (which cannot be traced before the 12th century), the relics were said to have been discovered in 814 by The-odomir, bishop of Aria Flavia in the far north-west of the principality of Asturias. Theodomir was guided to the spot by a star, the legend claims, and drawing upon a familiar myth element, the area was named Compostela—a corruption of Campus Stellae, “Plain of Stars.” The 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known in English as the Way of St. James and in Galician as the Camiño de Santiago. More than 100,000 pilgrims travel to the city each year from points all over Europe and other parts of the world. The pilgrimage is the subject of the 2010 movie The Way, starring Martin Sheen.
THE CAMINO PORTUGUÉS (Portuguese Way)Although the pilgrimage from Portugal to Santiago is assumed to have already been in
existence in the Late Middle Ages, it became even more popular after the country gained its independence in the mid 12th century. From that time on, the veneration of Saint James and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, con-sidered to be one of the hallmarks of identity of European culture, had far reaching effects in Lusitanian lands. For centuries, the Portuguese people participated enthusiastically in this collective experience, and they had the good fortune to be consistently supported by the example of monarchs, members of the nobility and the high clergy. From the 12th century up until today, much of Portugal’s road network has seen the comings and goings of pilgrims heading from towns and cities all over the country—Lis-bon, Santarem, Coimbra, Porto, Braga, Chaves—to their goal of Santiago de Compostela. Their motives were strictly religious, yet thanks to this steady flow of movement between Portugal and Galicia, cultural, economic, and intellectual exchange has also flourished. The Portuguese Way in Galicia is the result of a combination of historical factors: bridges, country chapels, sanctuaries, wayside crosses, manor houses, and historic cities dot the route that starts on the banks of the Minho river in the city of Tui, and ends at the tomb of Saint James. The Portuguese Way in Galicia is rich in cultural heritage, which extends beyond archi-tecture and museums to become a privileged route with some of Galicia’s finest examples of art. The Portuguese Way gently winds northward, along ancient tracks and paths run through woodlands, farmlands, villages, towns, and historic cities. Paths that cross courses of water flowing under bridges —some of Roman origin—of unmistakable medieval construction. A route enriched by the presence of chapels, churches, convents, petos de animas—stone altars usually found at crossroads —and cruceiros (wayside crosses), where the comforting image of San-tiago the Pilgrim is ever-present, to accompany
and hearten the pilgrim on his journey. The hospitality offered by the people is proverbial. One of the hallmarks of the pilgrim-age to Santiago is the warm reception pilgrims receive. This practice was started in the Middle Ages by the monks and clergymen serving the hospitals founded by the monarchs and the nobility. This welcoming lay tradition is kept alive today by the inhabitants of the towns scattered along the Way and the pilgrims’ hostels. The inhabitants of the area around the Portuguese Way feel a special devotion to Saint James and offer encouragement to those traveling to Compostela on the old paths that make up this pilgrimage route. A route Via XIX is the direct descendent of the major Roman roads that formed the backbone of the Roman Gallaecia and continued to be in use for many centuries. Built in the first century A.D. under the Emperor Augustus, it was known in classical works as the Itinerary of Antonino, established at the beginning of the third century A.D. during Caracalla’s time. This ancient testimony is proof of the vitality of this via from very early times. Since the Middle Ages, the Portuguese Way has maintained the tradition of exchange between neighbors that began during the days of the Ro-man Empire. Despite its unquestionable historical back-ground, modern road networks have affected the Portuguese Way. At times, the pilgrims must forget the dirt paths and stone-paved ways to walk along the verge of the N-550 road between Vigo and A Coruna. The road follows the Portuguese Way to Santiago, something of a drawback for those seeking to recapture the essence of the original pilgrims’ way. However, these discomforts are fleeting, and are fully compensated for when the pilgrim finishes the different legs of the journey on this route of devotion, art, and culture, which offers an undisputed wealth of monumental and natural heritage.
Most of the trail follows the original Roman road XIX. We
will pass the Roman mile stones milarios on the ancient way.and will cross Roman bridges built
over 2000 years ago. The legend of the “Field of Stars“ Compostela was born just in
time for the Christian reconquest of the Iberian
Peninsula.
Portuguese Camino
HOSTED BY LUISA AND PETER FORSGRENLuisa and Peter Forsgren invite you to discover Iberia by foot on the Luther College Portuguese Camino Adventure 2012. This classic Portuguese Camino to Santiago will allow you to explore the heart of the Iberian culture and beauty. Peter Forsgren ’82 was born in Mussoorie, India, and moved to Spencer, Iowa, in 1972. After graduation, he joined the Peace Corps as a teacher in Nepal. He continues to enjoy the Nepalese walking tradition as he and his wife, Luisa, explore the world. On July 4, 1986, Peter met his wife, Maria Luisa Vasconcelos Forsgren, in Larvik, Norway while they were studying at the University of Oslo. They have two sons, Jonathan and Phillip, who were born in Taipei, Taiwan, and graduated from the International School of Vienna and at-tended Ohio Wesleyan University. Luisa Forsgren is a Portuguese citizen and was born in Mozambique. Currently Luisa teaches Spanish and Peter teaches physical education and health at the American International School of Vienna. Luisa and Peter have taught together at the following International schools for the past 26 years: Taipei American School, Republic of China; International School of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Miami University, Oxford, Ohio; and Rabat American School, Morocco. Luisa and Peter have led international experi-ential adventures to Nepal, France, Spain, South Korea, Malaysia, Austria, Morocco, and North American Rockies, and have been leaders of five Habitat for Humanity builds in Braga, Portugal.
ITINERARYTour participants will experience some of the most historical places Iberia has to offer, from the Roman Ruins and Moorish Palaces to the classic Portuguese Camino. The tour package includes all air and ground transportation, accommodations, breakfast each day, some lunches and dinners, luggage portage during the Camino, and entrance fees to tour sites.
July 6: Flight from Chicago to Madrid to Lisbon
July 7: Welcome to Lisbon, PortugalMeet at the airport and transfer to the Riviera Hotel in Carcavelos, a beach town outside of Lisbon. Enjoy a refreshing Portuguese welcome lunch at the hotel, followed by a drive along the coast to Lisbon’s seafaring Belém District, home to many of the city’s historic buildings. We’ll rediscover Portugal’s golden age of exploration with a visit to Monument to the Discoveries and the Monastery of Jerónimos. The afternoon will finish with a stroll up Alfama, leading to São Jorge Castle with a panoramic view of vibrant Lisbon. We will have a traditional Portuguese dinner at the hotel and a peaceful evening near the beach to recover.Light Walking: 2–4 miles of mostly level walking during the day. / Riviera Hotel
July 8: Explore the Magical Gardens and Palaces of Sintra Today we will travel by bus to Sintra, an inspirational hilltop town near Lisbon. We will climb along the walls of the Moor Castle with magnificent views of the Atlantic, enjoy the fairy tale Pena Palace and retreat in the Montserrat Palace gardens where Lord Byron wrote many poems. We will also visit Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), the most western point of continental
Europe, the Guincho beach, and the fishing vil-lage of Cascais.Moderate Walking: 2–6 miles walking through-out the day with some hills and stairs / Riviera Hotel
July 9: Travel to Braga in Northern Portugal with an enjoyable Roman Ruins visit at ConimbrigaToday we will travel north and stop at Conímbri-ga, one of the largest Roman settlements in Por-tugal, a National Monument. In the afternoon, we check into our hotel and explore Braga, the oldest Portuguese city and capital of the prov-ince, Gallaecia, during the Roman Empire. The city is the 2012 European Youth Capital.Light Walking: 2–4 miles of mostly level walking during the day.Hotel Don Sofia, Braga
July 10: Tour Guimaraes, the European Capital of Culture 2012Guimaraes is often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese Kingdom.” This historical city had an important role in the formation of Por-tugal and was settled in the 9th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Complete the day with a sunset walk up to Bom Jesus over looking Braga on the way back to the hotel.Light Walking: 2–4 miles of mostly level walking during the day / Hotel Don Sofia, Braga
July 11: Begin the Camino de Santiago, Stage 1—Valença, Portugal, to Redondela, SpainAfter arriving to beautiful Valença by bus, we will start our walk by crossing the Minho river, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal. Tui and its picturesque streets await on the other side of the border to welcome us to Spain. As we approach the Plaza de San Fer-nando, we will enjoy nice views of the 12th cen-tury cathedral. From Tui’s old port, the Camino winds its way up to the old town, following the so-called Camino da Barca. Then through the Tu-nel das Monxas, the Camino enters a very steep section and leads to the evocative bridge of San Telmo. From there, traveling over a less abrupt terrain, we come to the town of O Porrino, using transportation to avoid its industrial area.Moderate: 13 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / Pazo Torres de Agrelo
July 12: Stage 2—Redondela to PontevedraThe terrain becomes easier as we cross the Louro valley. Keeping the valley to the east, after a gentle climb you arrive at the chapel of Santiaguino de Antas; a pleasant place to take a rest. We now enter a wide expanse of wood-land. Surrounded by pine trees, the Camino starts its descent through the hamlet of Setefon-tes and comes to Arcade. Reaching the historic site of Ponte Sampaio, the Camino crosses the Verdugo River. During the War of Independence, Napoleon’s army suffered one of its greatest defeats in Galicia at this bridge. Heading up a cobbled footpath we come to the 13th century church of Santa Maria. Views of the Bay of Vigo are stunning!Moderate: 11 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / Parador de Pontevedra
July 13: Stage 3—Pontevedra to Caldas De ReisPassing chestnut groves, the Camino leaves Pontevedra and runs parallel to the railway
for a while. After passing through the hamlet of Ponte Cabras, we encounter the rectory of Santa Maria de Alba, tucked away among pine and eucalyptus trees. Emerging from the dense woods of Lombo da Maceira, you’ll see a statue of Saint James the pilgrim, his cane pointing the way to proceed. The lovely village of Tibo, with its fountain, public washing place and stone cross, brings us to Caldas de Reis.Moderate: 11 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / Balneario Davila
July 14: Stage 4—Caldas De Reis to PadronExiting the town, we take a bridge over the river Umia that leads us to a fountain of hot spring water that has lent the town its name since Roman times. Entering the woods once more, the Camino makes its way gently uphill to the hamlet of Santa Marina. Going downhill, we then cross the river Fontenlo. Finally, following a Camino lined with pine trees, we catch up again with the river as we arrive in Padron.Padron is famous for being the first land sighted by the ship bearing the body of Saint James.Moderate: 10 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / Guest-house A Casa Antiga do Monte
July 15: Stage 5—Padron to Santiago de CompestelloThe Camino passes through many small villages and hamlets before arriving at the Baroque sanctuary of A Esclavitude. On a hilltop to the left stand the mysterious, abandoned ruins of the hillfort Castro Lupario, and a mile later we come to the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia. As we near Agro dos Monteiros, it is now possible to see the towers of the cathedral. Finally the Camino passes by the ruins of a castle known as A Rocha Vella, before entering the city of the Apostle.Moderate: 13 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / 3-star hotel in Santiago City Centre
July 16: Stage 6—Walk to Finisterre “The End of the Earth”Today we will take a bus to Cee and enjoy a fabulous coastal walk along cliffs and coves to the Cape Finisterre and its lighthouse.Moderate: 6 miles walking throughout the day with hills, stairs and uneven terrain / O Sema-foro Lighthouse Hotel/Insula Finisterrae
July 17: Bus from Finisterre to OportoOporto is a World Heritage City on the Douro River that is the heart of the port wine cellars. We will enjoy a boat ride on the river and take in the sites and reflect on our adventures with a glass of port.3 or 4-star hotel in City Centre
July 18: Check out and Board Plane for HomeFlight from Oporto to Madrid to Chicago.
LUTHER COLLEGE CONTACTSherry Alcock ’82Executive Director of Alumni RelationsLuther College700 College DriveDecorah, IA 52101800-225-8664 or 563-387-1861563-387-1322, [email protected]
Join Friends and Alumni of Luther College in 2012Luther College Portuguese Camino AdventureRegistration FormImportant: A valid passport is required for travel on this trip.We invite you to join Luisa and Peter Forsgren ’82 on this Portuguese Camino walking adventure to Camino July 6–18, 2012.Prices: Double occupancy per person: $2,699 Single occupancy supplement: $300 Price includes airfare, accommodations, breakfast daily and some lunches and dinners, ground transportation, luggage portage during the
Camino, and entrance fees to tour sites.
___ We (I) wish to reserve ____ spots on the tour. A deposit by Monday, April 16, 2012 of $500 per person is required to reserve the tour. Final payment is due on or before Friday, June 1, 2012. This tour will fill quickly; reservations will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Complete registration form above. Mail, with the deposit of $500 per person, to Sherry Alcock, Alumni Office, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Contact Sherry Alcock with questions at 1-800-225-8664 or [email protected].
