Pilgrims on the road - May 2013

The December Bulletin of The Confraternity of St James quotes St Robert Southwell and his description of the infant Christ at Bethlehem as a pilgrim. It's not seasonal exactly, but highly appropriate nonetheless:

'The inns are full, no man will yield this little Pilgrim bed, But forced He is with silly beasts, in crib to shroud His head.'R. Southwell 

As we approach Christmas and prepare to usher in 2013, the CSJ is preparing to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, and there is plenty of time and reason for joy and for quiet reflection. Meanwhile I find the Elizabethan poet’s reference to baby Jesus as a pilgrim especially touching and appropriate for us. For some years now I have been treasuring the Spanish representation of the Virgin Mary and Christ child – as pilgrims to St James. Examples of these Heavenly pilgrims can be appreciated in the magnificent pilgrim churches of La Coruña and Pontevedra to name but a few on the Camino Inglés and Camino Portugués respectively...."

In fact, I've had an anxious week, A week ago last Wednesday my training for walking the Camino  came to an abrupt halt when on a steep descent of one the local hills, the Skirrid, Monmouthshire's 'holy mountain,' I tore the ligaments in my right shoulder.
On the other hand, I have to say I have nothing but praise for the local (NHS) hospital whose A & E department has ensured a rapid appointment with a sympathetic orthopaedic surgeon, a urgent ultra-sound scan and immediate physiotherapy. Mentioning the planned trek to Santiago didn't do any harm ...
So whatever has to happen later, the pilgrimage is still on for the beginning of September - relieved isn't the word.....  Deo Gratias! And a big thank you to St James himself ...