Three Masses In One Day

It was Pentecostal Sunday so we were hoping the Botafumeiro which is a huge incense holder would swing for all the Pilgrim Masses but that did not happen. We started our morning very early at the 7:30 Pilgrim Mass. We got there 40 minutes early because we were worried about the crowd but the church was pretty empty and we had no trouble finding seats. A camino friend named Karin who we met 2 weeks ago went with us hoping to see the Botafumeiro swing. After the 7:20 mass we went to breakfast then headed back for the 9:30 Pilgrim Mass. This Mass had an organ playing with the organist also a wonderful singer. The incense did not swing at this service either so we decided to stay inside the basilica and move to great seats for the noon Mass. We were fairly confident it would have the incense swing. After a long wait as we read books on our phones and watched the church fill quickly to standing room only we were rewarded with the beginning of a High Mass and the swinging of the Botafumeiro. The Mass began with a large procession with a bust of St James in a four man carrier. There were musicians and clergy and supper staff in the procession. The swinging of the Botafumeiro was done with a long rope attached to a pulley controlled by 8 men. It reached a height of 80 feet at its highest swing with incense smoke pouring out - it was quite spectacular. The YouTube link below shows the details of it swinging. It was a very special Mass for both of us because we had not attended a Catholic church together and today we attended three masses one day. We had a nice lunch of cheese and meats and brown bread that we have come to enjoy over the last month. The food of Spain is wide and varied and regional - but all very good. We finished the afternoon getting organized for our train ride to Madrid tomorrow. Santiago is hopping tonight with everyone out and about - the cafes are full and so are the parks. So much fun. https://youtu.be/xndYdKR5tY0

Comments

  1. Janet ZimJune 6, 2022 at 12:25 AM

    Congratulations on attending 3 masses in one day. Our son-in-law Chad had told us about the massive swinging incense (he saw it on a trip to Spain) & we were hoping you both would also have that experience. I must say you’re quite determined travelers!
    This blog made Todd and I smile & chuckle! Good job pilgrims

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