Today’s outside pr
ocession began in the cathedral as the Bishop and his entourage left for one of the courtyards. We had good seats so I sent Madeleine off to take part while I minded the seats. It was 11.30. Mass was to start at noon. After about 5 min. I figured I would also follow.
Into the courtyard brimming with people, I could not see Madeleine but joined the assembly. The reading took place, there was some singing by the choir and we moved off. Behind the bishop was a float with a statue of Jesus on a donkey atop. After a short distance the Bishop went left and the procession, with Jesus on the donkey, went right. I followed Jesus — and the procession. The drummers laid down their marching beat as we moved. As I scanned the assembly there was still no sign of Madeleine, and we continued to move.
Th
e procession went down the laneway at the side of the cathedral and passed into the vast plaza at its front. By this time it was 12.00, and the procession processed. We continued past the cathedral on a road that led down to the Monasterio/Hotel San Francisco. I happily continued. The

STOPPED
drummers followed by the float with Jesus on the donkey arrived at the entrance and STOPPED! That was the end of the procession.
I hustled back to a packed cathedral where the Bishop was still giving his homily and from my peripheral position was delighted to see Madeleine in our original seats.
Madeleine: As you have read, I was back in the cathedral while Jim was processing, and very relieved to catch sight of his return. “Awesome” is a mild word to describe the ceremony. The bishop, 10 priests and numerous acolytes were on the altar. The cathedral was crowded with pilgrims of all ages

Notice the censor in the upper left hand corner
and nationalities. Every seat was filled and all aisles packed. The choir and organ music resounded. I truly think there was a palpable feeling of prayers rising through that immensely high vaulted roof.
We ended with the censor once again swinging.
Jim again: what has been most enjoyable in Santiago is meeting again peregrinos with whom we have spent some time during the past five weeks.