Monday, October 6, 2014

Santo Domingo de la Cazada

Santo Domingo de la Cazada
This afternoon we found ourselves in Santo Domingo de la Cazada. It is considered the heart of the Camino because of Saint Domingo's influence in this area. When Domingo was a young man he wanted to enter the monastery and become a priest. For reasons unknown he was refused but chose instead to dedicate his life to the service of others. Specifically, he cared for the pilgrims who walked along the way to Santiago de Compestella. It is said he built the pilgrims hospital whose remains are still visible today and the bridge that crosses over the river Oja.

We set our packs down and toured the cathedral and tower. They were built in the 11th and 12th century and are stunning. One of the most interesting exhibits in the cathedral is a chicken coop which contain two live fowl. It relates to the story of the Miracle of the Cock. Embellished over the years, it has become one of the more endearing legends along the Way of St James. Legend has it that a pilgrim couple and their handsome son were traveling along the Way when an innkeepers daughter became smitten with the young man. He spurned her advances and in her humiliation she hid a silver goblet in his rucksack and accused him of stealing it. Unbeknown to his parents he was hung but his life was spared by Santo Domingo who's sole purpose was to care and rescue pilgrims along the Way. He was found hanging from the gallows but miraculously still alive. When they went to report this to the sheriff he was just about to eat dinner. He retorted that their son could no more be alive than the cock he was about to eat, when suddenly the cock stood up and crowed. Hence, a rooster remains in the cathedral to this day.

The antiquity of this area is remarkable and we are in awe of all that is around us. Our journey is not just the acquisition of miles and credential stamps. It is stopping along the way to enjoy what is around us. Our thoughts are now focused on what is to see and experience as opposed to where we will lay our heads for the evening. We are experiencing all God would have for us and trusting that at the end of each day we are exactly where we need to be. It is so very freeing...

Not sure where we will lay our heads tonight...but it will be good for sure.

  Buen Camino.

No comments: