March 10, 2010

Course

THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO AND THE ROOTS OF THE WEST

The Apostle St. James from Santiago de Compostela

Mr. José Manuel García Iglesias.
University of Santiago de Compostela

The Jacobean cult, in relation to the pilgrimage to Santiago, has its starting point in the finding, in the ninth century, which, at that time, is understood as the "whole body" of the apostle James the Greater, in a place of Galicia. Given that there is evidence, by the Acts of the Apostles, that he was the first to receive martyrdom and that this took place in Jerusalem, it is necessary to justify this presence in the Hispanic lands through a translation; it was, thus, his disciples who brought his body to Galicia and two of them, Theodore and Athanasius, will also be buried next to him.

This story will receive, from the moment of the finding of the relics, such a projection in Christianity that it will reach beyond the lands of the European continent. Thus was born a whole pilgrimage that led to equate Santiago with Jerusalem and Rome.

Who was above all an apostle will also receive recognition as an evangelizer of the Hispanic lands, being called "Friend of the Lord", thus underlining his importance among the first followers of Christ.
The fact that with the passing of time he is represented as a pilgrim and as a knight is related to the success of the roads that lead to his sanctuary and his condition as a special patron saint.

Mullion. Portico of Glory

Santiago Pilgrim. Clock Tower