The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is named in honor of St. James the Greater, the taller of the two apostles named James. James worked as a fisherman alongside his brother, John, before becoming Disciples of Christ.

Following the death & Resurrection of Jesus, the apostles began to spread the gospel. As part of his mission, James traveled to Iberia (now Portugal & Spain). In 44AD, on his return to Jerusalem, he was beheaded by King Herod for blasphemy.

After his execution —-James’ body was brought to Galicia in Northwest Spain and buried here. In 814, King Alfonso II ordered a chapel to built at the tomb in honor of St. James. As the number of parishioners grew, the chapel turned into a church and then was enlarged into a cathedral. It has historically marked the end point of the pilgrimage route, which became popular in the Middle Ages. In 1985, the Cathedral became a World Heritage Site.

There are many routes to walk the “Camino de Santiago”, but the most traditional is the Camino Frances (The French Way), which begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and ends in Santiago, Spain. It is 800km or roughly 500miles.

All along the routes, you will see signs and markers to show you the way. A scallop shell, a yellow arrow, and the cross of St. James are the most often used. Just when you have gone a bit and think “Am I on the correct path?” —- a sign is there.

Now, if you read Dave’s post today, you saw that he included the song “500 Miles.”  We play this game every day, where we each pick our own special “Song of the Day.”  Here’s mine:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zLgeTtYwQ7o