A
Anonymous
Guest
Well I never. About time too!. Good Pope Benedict has introduced a fee of 25 Euros for a Compostela for those who are not Roman Catholics.
His argument is that it is and has always been a Roman Catholic Pilgrimage so Roman Catholics will still get the Compostela for free (they must take a letter from their priest at home which confirms that they are Catholic).
Those of other faiths and none must pay 25 Euros to receive one.
However, on the ground floor of the Pilgrim's Office, where you go up to get your Compostela, he has ordered the setting up of six confessional booths, with Priests in them. All those of different denominations or none, can convert to Catholicism there and then, and take first confession. The priest will then give them a slip to take upstairs which, with their stamped Pilgrim's passport, will entitle them to their free Compostela.
The new rule comes into effect on May 1st, to allow time for those preparing to start to get their letter of faith from their local priest - and also for all Roman Catholic churches to be informed of the new rule. There will also be leaflets at all refugios.
Personally I think it rather a good idea. It is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage and should be for Roman Catholics - but with all other denominations (and none) invited as 'guests'.
His argument is that it is and has always been a Roman Catholic Pilgrimage so Roman Catholics will still get the Compostela for free (they must take a letter from their priest at home which confirms that they are Catholic).
Those of other faiths and none must pay 25 Euros to receive one.
However, on the ground floor of the Pilgrim's Office, where you go up to get your Compostela, he has ordered the setting up of six confessional booths, with Priests in them. All those of different denominations or none, can convert to Catholicism there and then, and take first confession. The priest will then give them a slip to take upstairs which, with their stamped Pilgrim's passport, will entitle them to their free Compostela.
The new rule comes into effect on May 1st, to allow time for those preparing to start to get their letter of faith from their local priest - and also for all Roman Catholic churches to be informed of the new rule. There will also be leaflets at all refugios.
Personally I think it rather a good idea. It is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage and should be for Roman Catholics - but with all other denominations (and none) invited as 'guests'.