Cruz de Ferro. Walked from Foncebadon to Molinaseca today. An easy and short uphill followed by about 10km downhill, much of which on rock at a very steep slope. The emotional impact at the cross was much greater than I anticipated. The cross, the mound around it, the solemnity at the site and the thousands of pilgrims who've laid their burdens here all contribute to this much talked-about aspect of the Camino.
As I said, the emotional impact of this site on me surprised me. However, it was less about the site itself or the cross as it was about the items people chose to leave as symbols of their burdens or weaknesses or whatever. Ann empty package of cigarettes, a toy, a note, a stone, a flag, etc. Each thing means something to everyone, and the simple Faith represented by placement of these items tells me that there is immense strength in the Faith of active Christians.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, the emotional impact of this site on me surprised me. However, it was less about the site itself or the cross as it was about the items people chose to leave as symbols of their burdens or weaknesses or whatever. Ann empty package of cigarettes, a toy, a note, a stone, a flag, etc. Each thing means something to everyone, and the simple Faith represented by placement of these items tells me that there is immense strength in the Faith of active Christians.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of questions about this picture - I want to know a lot more about this when you get back :)
ReplyDelete