Saturday, September 15, 2018

Rest Day in León

September 14, 2018

First of all, Happy 74th Birthday to my wonderful husband and partner. Thank you for saying "yes" to this Camino trip. I know it wasn't on your bucket list, but knowing it was on mine, you offered to make the journey with me.

Today was our rest day in
León, but none of us got much rest. We were too busy sightseeing! First stop was a side chapel in the León Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de León) for a 9:00 Mass and then a tour of the 13th century Gothic cathedral itself. With its 125 magnificent stained glass windows, the cathedral is awash in light and rivals its more famous counterpart, the cathedral in Chartres, France.

We also visited the Basilica of San Isidoro and Plaza San Marcos with its ancient monastery, took pictures of one of Gaudi's more famous buildings, Casa Botines, and peeked inside the courtyard of the 16th century Palacio de los Guzmanes. Later in the afternoon, Becky and I each had massages and then we headed back to San Isidoro for a pilgrim's Mass and blessing. Two Masses in one day! Can't remember the last time I did that.

At the end of Mass, Father asked all the peregrinos present to join him at the altar. There were at least 20 of us of different nationalities and cultures, speaking different languages, but all with a common purpose of making this journey to Santiago de Compostela. Father was so enthusiastic, warm and genuine, it was as if this was the first time he had blessed Camino pilgrims, although he must perform this ritual every day with scores of pilgrims. It appears he never tires of it and it seems to give him great joy, at the same time passing that joy on to all of us present.

What a wonderful inspiration to keep in mind as we begin the last legs of our Camino journey! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Buen Camino



Exterior of Catedral de Santa María de León

A view of some of the cathedral windows

Gaudi's Casa Botines

Channeling Gaudi

Monastery of St. Mark

Even Leon is wishing Rich a Happy Birthday!





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