Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of a journey a pilgrimage that ends in Santiago de Compostela. Right here in Porto, we stand before St James. It is a church with deep significance for many. The apostle James is honoured here. Many pilgrims begin their Caminho to honour the Apostle. They end at the cathedral that bears his name.
St James is not directly on Rua de Cedofeita. However, it is just a short distance from that historic street. This route is part of the Central Caminho. Many pilgrims pass near St James church on their journey.
Let’s talk about the Camino. The Portuguese word “Caminho” means “way”. It describes the routes pilgrims use. These routes are both past and present. Tradition says the body of the apostle James is buried in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral. Santiago de Compostela is in Galicia. James was one of Jesus’s disciples. He was the first apostle to be martyred. Acts 12.2 tells us this. His body was taken from Judea to Galicia. There, he had preached the Good News. The burial place was rediscovered in the 9th century.
Since the 1980s, interest in the Caminhos has grown. These Caminhos lead to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrimage and “going on the Caminho” are often interchangeable ideas. People walk the Camino for many reasons. Some seek religious or spiritual experiences. Others are drawn to cultural or sporting aspects. For many, the Caminho offers space for personal reflection. Some feel a call to experience it without knowing why. All these reasons reflect modern pilgrimage. It is a desire to put on a rucksack. It is a desire to leave home. It is embracing a different pace of life, at least for a while.
Symbols of the Caminho include a scallop shell. Also, a yellow arrow marks the way. Pilgrims carry a rucksack. They have a pilgrim credential. They collect a carimbo or sello as a visible record of their walk. Porto is an important starting place for the Caminho. This is true whether pilgrims walk along the coast or inland. There is no official departure point. Many start at Porto’s cathedral or Matosinhos.
At St James, pilgrims receive a welcome. They can have a chat and get information about their pilgrimage. Pilgrims are welcome at the Sunday 11 am Eucharist. They receive a blessing. Their credential gets stamped. The church has open days. These are usually Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer. Then, the church is available to greet pilgrims. Contact the Chaplain or the Churchwardens for more information. St James is one of the few churches in Porto dedicated to the Apostle. For many, this has deep significance. Starting at St James and completing the Caminho honours the Apostle. It ends in the cathedral that bears his name.
Remember the scallop shell. Look for the yellow arrows. Think about the many who have walked this path before you. St James stands as a testament to their journeys. It is a starting point for new adventures of faith and discovery. This place is a reminder of the Camino’s enduring spirit. As you continue your exploration of Porto, carry the spirit of St James with you.