Polly told me yesterday that getting to Finisterre was the highlight of her trip. She was more emotional about that moment than she was reaching the Cathedral in Santiago or receiving her compostela.
Today, it was my turn. I cleaned my dusty shoes and put on the best of the clothes I brought. The streets were very quiet as I walked the 20 minutes or so to the Cathedral and I had to wait about 15 minutes for the early Pilgrim mass to finish before entering. I found Polly inside. It is Pentecost and my Camino was planned around being in Santiago on the 50th day after Easter...the day when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and other believers who were gathered in the Upper Room following the ascension of Jesus. It is one of the holy days in which the botafumiero is swung. The censer weighs 53 kilograms (not quite 117 pounds) and is swung by 8 men called tiraboleiros. The function of the botafumiero is to symbolize the true nature of the believer. And this is the part I love so much. As the incense is released, a fragrance is spread and rises in the air...to the heavens. The fragrance of the life and virtue of the believer being a pleasing aroma to God. I remember how important it seemed to me to see it again. I remember friends wondering why it was such a big deal to me. But one day as I was thinking about it, I felt God say, "What is your name?" Cindi. "Your whole name?" Cindi Rauch. "And what does it mean?" Smoke. "Of course you are drawn to the botafumiero...your very name means smoke and the desire of your heart is to be a fragrance pleasing to God."
And with that encounter, I knew it was okay to press in and bask in the presence and joy of that moment. And yes, I got emotional. For me, it was the most beautiful moment of my Camino.
Right now I am laying across a bed listening to a wonderful thunderstorm outside. Soon, it will quit raining, the wind will die down and I will find some dinner. I will come back and do a final packing job before heading to the bus station in the morning for Lisbon.
Thanks for the video of the botafumiero. That was indeed a perfect way to end your walk. Congratulations you have succeeded in another memorable and very special journey. I am certain from following your postings that it was everything you hoped for and more. Patty
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