Our Camino de Santiago de Compostela Portugués

From Saint James to Saint James

Saint James the GreaterSon of Zebedee

Brother of Saint JohnMartyred in 44

Ancient Tradition

Went to Iberia to spread the gospelSaw the Virgin Mary in 40 and then returned to Palestine for his

martyrdom

Ancient Tradition

His remains were translated to Galicia in Northwestern Spain.

Ancient Tradition

His remains first arrived in Padrónand later buried in what is now

Compostela. The location was lost.

Remains DiscoveredFirst half of 9th Century

Hermit saw strange lights over a field

Bishop Theodemar of Iria investigated and discovered the remains.

King Alphonso II first pilgrim.

Pilgrimages and Cathedral

Quickly becomes the most popular pilgrimage site after Rome and Jerusalem

Multiple miracles associated with St. James and the Camino

See moved to Compostela, Cathedral built

Pilgrimages and Cathedral

Numbers lowered from some countries after Reformation, followed by EnlightenmentRebound in 20th Century

Camino de Santiago de CompostelaWay of St. James of Compostela

Many Ways of St. James

A pilgrim can start

anywhere, but must walk last 100 kms to get

compostela

Symbols of the Camino

About the Camino

262,459 pilgrims in 2015*Holy Years more popularPilgrims stay in alburgues, hostels, hotels, or campMany saints have made the pilgrimage

About the Camino

Number on track to surpass last year and last jubilee year to be highest ever.Pilgrims come from all over the globe,with Spain, Italy, Germany, and U.S. leadingYou can walk, bike, or ride horse

Our CaminoThe Portuguese Route

Our Camino

Started in Porto

Walked 157 miles

9 1/2 days

About 1/2 Portugal, 1/2 Spain

The Portuguese Way

Actually three routes

In existence since medieval times

Mostly follows older Roman Roads

Taken by St. (Queen) Elizabeth of Portugal in 13th Century

The Portuguese Way

The second most used route

So far this year 25% more than 2015

59% more than last jubilee year (2010)

Taken by St. (Queen) Elizabeth of Portugal in 13th Century

Galicia

is

Green

The Compostela

“The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint

James, custodian of the seal of Saint James’ Altar, to all faithful and

pilgrims who come from everywhere over the world as an act of devotion, under vow or promise to the Apostle’s

Tomb, our Patron and Protector of Spain, witnesses in the sight of all

who read this document, that: Mr/Mrs/Ms…………………has visited

devoutly this Sacred Church in a religious sense (pietatis causa).Witness whereof I hand this

document over to him, authenticated by the seal of this Sacred Church.

Given in Saint James of Compostela on the (day) …… (month) …… A.D.

……”

American Pilgrims on the Camino - Facebook Page and www.americanpilgrims.org

Confraternity of St. James - U.K.

Camino Ways Forum

http://www.americanpilgrims.org

Saint James, Apostle, chosen among the first. You were the first to drink the

Cup of the Master and you are the great protector of pilgrims; make us strong in faith and happy in hope on

our pilgrim journey following the path of Christian life and sustain us so that we may finally reach the glory of God

the Father. Amen.

Bom CaminhoBuen Camino