Holiday special – A word from the president

We face 2023 with confidence

Dear friends,

I’m taking up “the pen” at the end of our annual general meeting.
The terrible years of 2020 and 2021 have affected many families in many countries. The Jacobean world has been disrupted by a long period without our paths, a drop in membership numbers, the closure of gîtes… Even the jubilee year, extended to 2022, has not had its usual glow of joy.

But it seems that many signs are already pointing to a return to equilibrium and a significant call to resume the CAMINO. Enthusiasm has been manifested in recent months by the high number of pilgrims (and walkers), as well as by the discovery of paths other than the CAMINO
francés (northern, primitive…).

In a Europe that’s still finding its way, the path is a promising one. The team that leads the Société Française with heart, energy and confidence (volunteers, Board of Directors, Executive Committee) has shown – despite changes in personnel – a determination and solidity that was confirmed on
Saturday November 26 at the Annual General Meeting.
We therefore approach 2023 with the utmost confidence. If 2022 was rich in events – 70th anniversary, events at Estella, O Cebreíro, Beruete prize, event at the Tour Saint-Jacques – the year 2023 will be just as rich, if not more so!
Already on the horizon

• the launch of EUROPA COMPOSTELA, which will bring together national Jacobean associations, with six founding and permanent members including the Société Française,

• the organization of a significant walk along the lines of Paris-Sens-Vézelay in 2021/2022, in partnership with the local association (I’m thinking of Belgium).

• strengthening ties with our friends in Estella through twinning, and with Spanish associations wishing to do so, reactivating the links that have long united French associations with the Société Française.

Without forgetting the continuation of documentary and memory work, with the digitization of archives begun by Albert Echilley, the Centre d’études Compostellanes dormant since 2016, and the 2023 World Congress in Madrid.
With the help of everyone involved, I will strive to strengthen the French Society, full of determination and enthusiasm.

Thanks to all those who have taught me so much about Santiago de Compostela.
All the best for 2023
Un Abrazo

Patrice Jacques Marie BERNARD, Chairman