The Grand Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela 🌄✨

After walking over 120 km in 7 days – through mountains, rivers, plains, and lakes, under pouring rain and blooming flowers, through mud and moments of doubt – we finally entered the oxygen-rich forests and reluctantly stepped onto the path into the city. We had reached Santiago de Compostela 🏁. Coincidentally, we arrived on the day Pope Leo XIV issued a new proclamation, making the Mass especially grand and glorious. The solemn and sacred atmosphere inside the cathedral moved everyone deeply. The swinging botafumeiro (the large incense thurible) symbolized the souls of people, weathered and refined through life’s trials, finally being tenderly laid to rest in blessing. Pilgrims from all over the world gathered here, each carrying their own stories, questions, and puzzles. They had stepped out of their homelands or personal struggles, trekked long distances, and finally arrived. Rather than overwhelming excitement, what filled their hearts was a deep sense of peace and release – the quiet joy of a wish fulfilled. After pushing past physical limits, self-doubt, and mental barriers, supported by willpower and the encouragement of fellow pilgrims, we emerged stronger – tired, yet grounded and joyful 🌱❤️. Soon, each of us will return to the “concrete forests” of daily life, to overflowing inboxes and routines. But perhaps, having undergone this journey, our hearts and perspectives will slowly shift. We may break free from old constraints, release attachments that no longer serve us, and be reborn 🌅🕊️. Though our puzzles and obsessions differ, may each of us find greater courage to face challenges after returning. May every wandering soul receive the Lord’s blessing and ultimately find a place of peace 🙏. #CaminoDeSantiago #Pilgrimage #CathedralOfSantiago #SpiritualJourney #InnerPeace #TravelSoul #SpainPilgrimage