Mass in the Cathedral.

My pilgrimage was officially over.

I went to mass at the cathedral which was attended by thousands.

The priests lit the giant silver botafumeiro and swung it back and

forth over the crowds to their delight while the state T.V.

documented the entire event. I spent the day resting and

photographing around the cathedral and will take a train to Madrid

tomorrow to catch a flight back to the U.S. It was done and

finished and I had survived. More than that, I had learned a great

deal about what I was capable of, about not giving up, and about

Grace --- especially about Grace, since I certainly couldn't have

completed the pilgrimage without it. As I write this journal two

and a half years later I am still learning from the experience. In

fact, the importance I place on it is only now becoming clear to

me. This pilgrimage, like any, is on one level a metaphor for the

journey we all take through life and its secrets will continue to

unfold as long as the way of St. James holds a place in my heart.

fin

Walking through shadows.