The fondly named Pope mobile has been used many times by the Holy Father both on Papal
Journeys and in Saint Peter’s Square. And for this 18th apostolic visit this vehicle
was on hand again to take Pope Benedict from the airport to the focal point of the
pilgrimage route at Santiago de Compostela, the Cathedral of St James.
Despite
the rather grey day here it didn’t deter thousands of pilgrims from welcoming Pope
Benedict through towns and villages along the way. Men and women, young and old came
from all the corners of this famed route waving flags bearing the Vatican colours
and carrying banners of welcome containing the Pope’s image.
The scene was
euphoric as Pope Benedict reached the Cathedral right on schedule to be greeted by
Archbishop Xulian Barrio Barrio of Santiago De Compostela. The Pope also received
a rousing reception as he passed through the door of this Holy place that has seen
pilgrims enter for centuries.
Before an address inside the Pope was given
a gift of cape which bore on one side the scallop shell, the emblem of the Way of
St James, which he put on with pride. A high point was the Holy Father’s visit to
the tomb of James which pilgrims have come to venerate for centuries.
Amidst
all the excitement the Pope was able to spend a quiet moment with this great saint
of Spain who preached the Gospel in this land and who was returned to Santiago De
Compostela and this final resting place after his death.
There was also time
to embrace a much loved Statue of James in this house of God. The Pope again received
applause when he began his speech in Galician, before speaking about the spirit of
pilgrimage.
He said in this Holy Year of Compostela he wanted to come to this
cathedral as a pilgrim adding that he exhorted all the faithful of this beloved Archdiocese,
and those of the Church in Spain to live their lives enlightened by the truth.
A
truth that sees people through crises like economic downturns and natural disasters.
Rounding off this visit the Pope was treated to a spectacular display of an incenser
being suspended from a height incensing those present. A thrilling end to this Cathedral
visit.