Santiago de Compostela Celebrates the Feast of St. James

In total to the end of the "Holy Year" an estimated ten million people will have visited the city.


Madrid (kath.net/KNA) In Santiago de Compostela ten thousand people celebrated the Feast of St. Jakob (James). The Spanish King, Juan Carlos, held his traditional speech on the day of the Spanish Patron Saint. The Archbishop of Santiago, Julian Barrio Barrio, celebrated the central Liturgy in the Cathedral.

Pope Benedict XVI sent greetings from Castelgandalfo to the assembled pilgrims. Pop musicians Sting and Mike Oldfield gave concerts in the early evening at the place of pilgrimage.

The celebration was the highpoint of the current "Holy Year". This has been celebrated since the 12th Century continuously when the feast of St. Jakob's falls on the 25th of July falls on a Sunday. The next time will be in 2021 -- before 1993, 1999 and 2004.

Juan Carlos asked St. Jakob for help and assistance in current difficulties. He mentioned among others the financial crisis and the barbarity of terrorism. Archbishop Barrio prayed for among others for the governing powers and the pursuit of the common good and the ethical and moral renewal of society.

Pope Benedict XVI announced he wanted to conclude the pilgrimage in Santiago in November. He intends to step in the "path of our life" in the footsteps of the Apostles establishing a sign of Faith, Hope and Love. Benedict XVI wants to visit for his second Spanish visit near Santiago de Compostela and nearby Barcelona on the 6th and 7th of November.

For "Xacebo 2010" the Spanish Tourism Authority and the Pilgrimage Bureau in Santiago de Compostela figure new record numbers. In total, by year end, about 10 Million people will have visited the city. 240,000 of this number are also pilgrims, who take at the least the traditional last 100 kilometers on foot, alternatively, the last 200km distance covered by bicycle. The last highest estimate was 180,000 pilgrims in the "Holy Year" of 2004.

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