A sign of being a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, other than your boots, pack, and walking stick, is a scallop shell. In French, these are called “St. Jacques” shells.
AJ wanted to get some special shells and get them blessed before we started. At his work they use St. Jacques scallops in their catering. He asked if he could have four (one for himself, me, my aunt, and my uncle). He picked out four very pretty shells, drilled holes in them, and then took them across the street to the St. Jean church. He couldn’t find the priest, but dunked them in the holy water and did his own blessing.
It is funny this feeling of becoming transformed into a pilgrim.
And, of some other sorts, we are a bit of pilgrims coming here to live and study in France. This weekend will feel great when we go out on a practice hike– complete with our newly appointed pilgrim shells!
K A C Johnson Books 