October 8-9, 2019

10/09/2019, 16:00

Today we experienced rain for the first time on our Camino. It rained (but it didn’t) the whole day while we walked the 14 miles from Tosantos to Agés.  The air was saturated with moisture, visibility was greatly reduced and, for the first time on the Camino, I felt cold; but it really didn’t rain.   After a hot shower and a bowl of soup, I felt better but was still cold to my core.  Fr. Tony and I talked during our brief siesta and discovered that we BOTH felt the bone-chilling cold.  He then uttered, “We need to be smarter tomorrow but I don’t know how!”  After a good laugh, we decided that with both of us catching a version of the “Camino crud” (cough & sniffles),  we really do need to proceed with greater caution for our health. 

10/09/2019, 18:30

Fr. Tony and I, due to the inclement weather, delayed our Divine Office prayers until we reached Agés.  As we were praying in the local church, Iglesia de Santa Eulàlia, named after a fourth century martyr, an elderly woman, by the name of Felicia, identified herself as the “guardian” of the church. She told us that they no longer have Mass in the church since a priest is no longer assigned to this parish.  When she discovered that Fr. Tony is a priest, and one who speaks Spanish (!), she was ecstatic and asked Fr. Tony to celebrate Mass this evening. So, we are having Mass at 20:00 this evening at St. Eulàlia.  Additionally, while we were having dinner, a group of about 30 Koreans (many of whom are Catholic), who are touring on the Camino, found out that Fr. Tony is celebrating Mass this evening.  They uttered a collective sigh of approval, coupled with an ovation for Fr. Tony.  It was very humbling and somewhat overwhelming at the response of pilgrims and natives alike to the opportunity to celebrate daily Mass together.  I’m really looking forward to this evening!

10/09/2019, 21:30

Mass at St. Eulàlia was a joy.  About 30 people, pilgrims and natives alike, celebrated Mass.  In spite of the lights that went out three times during Mass, it was the perfect end to our day.

Jim Olshefski