As in the past, pilgrims reaching the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain during a Holy Year, and fulfilling the conditions for it, are granted a plenary indulgence. According to the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, an indulgence is:
The remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sin whose guilt has already been forgiven. A properly disposed member of the Christian faithful can obtain an indulgence under prescribed conditions through the help of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. An indulgence is partial if it removes part of the temporal punishment due to sin, or plenary if it removes all punishment.
This will be my last opportunity to reach Santiago de Compostela and receive a plenary indulgence. I would be too old in 2021 to attempt such a long pilgrimage. As such, on 9 April 2010, I head to the cathedral of Valencia, Spain to start the Cami de Llevant - a journey of 1,200-km.
I'm committed to keep a journal on this occasion. However, keeping a journal is something I've mostly failed to do despite my best and earnest intentions. It simply never seemed important once I hit the road.
Wish me ‘Bon Camino’!
Did you like the post? Please do share your thoughts in the comments section!
Buen Camino!
ReplyDeleteYou know that you don't have to walk to Santiago to earn all the remissions you desire. You just have to visit the cathedral, attaend mass, go to confession, etc and you will earn a plenary indulgence.
Have a great walk anyway!
Buen Camino from me too. I walked most of the Levante last year. If I can help at all, let me know. It will be good,
ReplyDeleteAndy