July 8: Las Herrerias to O’Cebreiro

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Climbing, climbing towards the highest point on the French route of the Camino, O’Cebreiro.
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Lovely mountain views, once a pilgrim makes it to the top
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I love these statues!
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Here is the gravestone for Father Elias Valiña, who besides bringing the Camino back to the world served as the parish priest in O’Cebreiro.
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Lovely statues, graced by flowers.
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Madonna and a quite old child, also with flowers
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Religious bibles and books, in many languages from many lands, on display
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The church, small but beautiful in its plainness
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This massive baptismal font might be the biggest one I have ever seen.
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A view of the bust of Father Elias Valiña, which is located in a small courtyard next to the church.
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Plaques and memorials thanking Father Valiña fill the courtyard.  This plaque calls him “the first among pilgrims.”
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Plaques from many countries offer thanks to Father Valiña.
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Another view of the bust and some of the memorials to Father Valiña
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The church portico and bell tower
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O’Cebreiro is tiny, but pilgrims are bringing it back to life, with tourism shops and sidewalk cafes springing up.
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Such an ancient and beautiful church!

 

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