Good Friday
Wrapping It Up
Having completed the walking portion of the pilgrimage - we had just a few things to do before heading home. Initially we had anticipated spending 7 weeks in Spain - we finished after 5 weeks and admittedly were homesick as this was the longest we had been away from home. Some had urged us to visit Barcelona or go south to Seville - we had already visited the southern part of Spain on a previous trip and trying to be reasonable with our expenses did not think spending two weeks in Barcelona would be justified as two weeks in normal hotels and restaurants would easily double our budget that we had allowed for the Camino. We changed our flights and scheduled our return for 4 days later. We wanted to go visit Finisterre - the purported end of the earth. Before anyone had ventured father west - Finisterre was the western most point of land in Europe. Unknown to anyone we had walked the Camino carrying some special cargo with us. I had a small container that I kept with me night and day containing the cremains of my older brother Dennis and my twin Dean. Arlene had carried a rosary that belonged to Susan - my twin's deceased wife who - although not Catholic - had frequently prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet on that rosary. Our intent - to send both container and rosary into the Atlantic ocean at the end of the earth. Having ended Lent and now in The 3 days of the Triduum - time to let go and let God. Whatever one needs to let go of - now is the time - give it to God - expect nothing in return - except Joy as we all celebrate Easter this Sunday.
Welcome to the Port of Finisterre - Doorway to the Ocean
Another Monument Pilgrim - Sailor
The Harbor
Anchors Away
Small Castle
Finisterre on west coat of Galicia, Spain - Atlantic Ocean
For many pilgrims walking to Santiago ends their pilgrimage - for many others continuing on to that spot which was once considered the end of the earth - an added experience - seeing the Atlantic ocean. In Lent many Christians observe the full forty days of Lent - miss the Days of The Triduum - returning only on Easter Sunday. In The Triduum we celebrate with moving liturgies the institution of Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood - The day of final atonement when Jesus was crucified - veneration of the Cross - the Vigil with a multitude of Scriptures and Prayers as the faithful wait in anticipation of the Resurrection on Easter morning. For those who are able - the Triduum is not to be missed.
Deacon Dale
