Walking the Camino? Anglican ministry is now available for you in Santiago de Compostela


Last year over 300,000 pilgrims from around the world arrived in Santiago de Compostela. Today, 13 May, marked the launch of a new ministry to Anglican pilgrims in Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago Chaplaincy is an initiative of the Rev Alasdair Kay from the Diocese of Derby working with Archdeacon Geoff Johnston of Gibraltar and myself as lead bishop for the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar. We are blessed with the presence of a local coordinator, Sybille Yates, who is based in the city and who will oversee the arrangements for Anglican clergy and volunteers on the ground from her home which she has named the House of Egeria, after the remarkable 4th century woman pilgrim to Jerusalem. 
Egeria House is a short stroll from the Cathedral
All priests have Permission to Officiate for this work, and have accommodation provided in Santiago. During this seasonal ministry they provide pastoral care and support for pilgrims and celebrate the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and other Holy Days for them. Careful and fruitful ecumenical links have been established with the Roman Catholic authorities in the city, especially Don Segundo Perez, the Dean of the Cathedral, and Archbishop of Santiago the Most Revd Julián Barrio, who are supporting this Anglican initiative. 

 Pilgrims wishing information on the Anglican chaplaincy in Santiago itself can contact Sybille at chaplains@sybilleyates.com.Sybille is fluent in English, Spanish and German. (General information can be found here: http://egeria.house/chaplaincy/)

 Anglican priests who have walked the Camino and who would like to volunteer for this ministry and who can cover their own expenses (accommodation is provided in Santiago) are invited to contact the Revd Alasdair Kay (revaskay@gmail.com) for further information.


The pilgrimage is understood as a paradigm of life: Christ accompanies us on the way, and welcomes us at the end!

From a prayer of pilgrims:
Lord, give me your grace to contemplate the path of your earthly life and to be attracted further by the example of St James the Apostle. May I wholeheartedly follow you in the path of this life and find in you peace and joy without end.

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