Spain: 200,000 pilgrims expected for the “Year of St. James 2010”

2010 will be the jubilee year of St. James, since July 25, the Saint’s feast day, falls on a Sunday and – in memory of the discovery of his tomb on a Sunday – it has been declared a Jacobin year.
According to the regional government of Galicia, between January and June 2009, 48,969 pilgrims have visited the sanctuary of Santiago de Compostella. That is an increase of almost 12% on last year. The Pilgrim’s Office of Santiago is expecting a total of 140,000 people between now and the end of the year, which represents an historic record for an ordinary year.
According to the publication La Voz de Galicia, Mgr. Julian Barrio, archbishop of Santiago, estimates that the number of pilgrims could exceed 200,000 in 2010. The figures are higher during a jubilee year, as in 2004 when the pilgrims numbered 170,000.
The Jubilee year is associated with a plenary indulgence. Traditionally the East door of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostella is opened by the archbishop on December 31 preceding the Holy Year. A plenary indulgence is granted to the pilgrim who fulfils the obligations of prayer, confession and communion specified by the Church.
The Society of St. Pius X will organize a pilgrimage in July 2010, departing from Domezain in the south of France, to the Sanctuary of Santiago de Compostella via the camino frances. Holy Mass will be celebrated daily.
(Sources: Apic/kna/FSSPX)