Many people make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela to venerate the remains of the apostle James. Thousands of pilgrims visit throughout the year, but the summer months bring record numbers.
FR. JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ
Dean of Santiago Cathedral
Approximately 1,700 are being welcomed.
In January, 1,600 arrived every day, in February, 3,000, in March, 6,000, in April, 34,000 and in May, 48,000. After that, the numbers have gone up every month. They have risen a lot, and now, for example, before the Apostle's Feast Day, before the 25th [of July], the number of pilgrims had already reached 200,000.
Since 2021, the Camino de Santiago has been celebrating a Jubilee Year, which was extended through 2022 because of the pandemic.
The Holy Year only happens when the feast of the apostle, July 25, coincides with a Sunday. As a result, many people make the pilgrimage to gain the indulgences granted by the Holy See.
However, there are pilgrims who do not make the pilgrimage for faith reasons.
FR. JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ
Dean of Santiago Cathedral
However, I can also say that many who left home for pure tourism, after arriving in Santiago, they arrive as pilgrims.
Most of the pilgrims are Spanish, although there is also a considerable number of pilgrims from other parts of the world.
FR. JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ
Dean of Santiago Cathedral
There are many Germans, many Americans; there are even Koreans.
In the year 2019, which was the one with the most pilgrims until this one—this one surpasses 2019—citizens from all countries recognized by the UN had come, all except 12 or 13 countries.
This is how the Galician capital becomes an epicenter of faith and, in some cases, of conversion. Fernández encourages people to make the journey, whether for religious or other reasons.
FR. JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ
Dean of Santiago Cathedral
The human person does not have the tomb as his destination, even if he has to pass through the tomb, as Jesus did. But he has to go beyond. So the road to Santiago is a symbol for the road of life.
In the meantime, the countdown for lighting the lantern on the cathedral tower announcing the start of a Holy Year has started. Preparations have begun for the 121st Jubilee in Santiago, which will be in 2027.
AM
TR: KG
