Up Into the Unknown: A Novelette by Tony

Today we left the quaint village of Ruitelan to the lofty heights of O’Cebreiro over 10.4km. After a few leisurely kilometers we met the mother of all hills. I think this hill has aspirations to be Mount Everest! It looks small in the guide book but don’t be fooled. I was. It went up, up and then more up! I would swear it grew even as we slogged up. It was a long hard climb, even the fit people had at least one bead of sweat, me several more! It was slow going for me as everyone else strolled by. Nice animals though, I could swear that a turtle waved and winked as he shot past me. I did manage to go faster than a snail though! I’m not sure if he was pleased. Enjoy the little victories! I met a rider on a horse with one in tow. Then there was this third horse coming down Mt. Everest heading directly for me. Now my Mother didn’t raise any fools, well maybe a few, but I wasn’t one of them. She explicitly told me that, “You can play chicken with a chicken but not with a horse.” I stepped aside from the charging horse. It won, sorry Canada.

On a happier note I’m sure I’ve lost weight. I figure at least 68 grams! (Applause here). Thank you! Tomorrow I may manage to get over 100 grams. One can dream. Climbing a humongous hill takes strategy. It is important to set a way point far ahead and when you pass it you feel a sense of accomplishment. Mine was 2 meters. A lot of accomplishments today!

As I crawled up to the top I thought I was dreaming. I heard bagpipes in the distance. I thought maybe I was in heaven, or hell, depending on how you feel about bagpipers! My socks almost blew off when I asked the bagpiper if he knew “Amazing Grace” and he did not! I’ve got to contact the Guinness World Records Book about him.

O’Cebreiro is a unique village. One of the reasons is described below.

The Eucharistic Miracle of O’Cebreiro:

The Eucharistic miracle of O’Cebreiro occurred around 1300, when a doubting monk saw the bread and wine turn into flesh and blood during a storm, rewarding a devout farmer who braved the weather to attend Mass. Located at the 9th Century Santa Maria la Real church, the miracle and holy chalice attracted Queen Isabella, strengthening the town’s significance on the Camino.

Key Details of the O’Cebreiro Miracle:

The Miracle: During a massive snowstorm, a farmer named Juan Santin from Barxamaior braved the weather to attend Mass. The priest, who doubted the Real Presence of Christ, criticized the farmer for his effort, questioning, “So much sacrifice for a little bread and wine?”. At the consecration, the bread turned into visible flesh and the wine into blood.

The Legacy: The host and wine turned into blood and flesh, staining the corporals (cloths). The statue of the Virgin Mary reportedly bowed her head in adoration at the sight, earning the name, Madonna of the Sacred Miracle.

The Relics: The miraculous chalice and paten were confirmed by Queen Isabelle I of Spain in 1486 and are still on display in the church.

The Location: The Church of Santa Maria la Real in O’Cebreiro is the oldest fully preserved church on the French Way, acting as a gateway to Galicia.

Final Resting Place: The priest and the peasant (Juan Santin) are believed to be buried side-by-side in a mausoleum inside the church.

Wishing you all well from the windswept heights of O’Cebreiro.

God Bless,

Tony, Hannah and Baby