July – A word from the president – Two holy years

Dear pilgrim friends, For the past 2 years I’ve been looking forward to taking part in this long-awaited Holy Year, and to seeing so many of us in Santiago to represent our Society. But events had other plans. As is customary, Pope Francis has decided to extend the Holy Year to 2022. We’ll be going to Santiago, regretting that we’ll no longer be able to perform the “Abrazo” at the donkey gate, even though next year July 25 won’t fall on a Sunday. However, there are positive sources ahead of us, urging us towards Santiago. With this in mind, I would like to share with you a thought by Leo XIII that reinforces the true meaning of the path: “To those who wish to regenerate any society in decadence (each one will interpret), it is rightly prescribed to bring it back to its origins”. In terms of the day-to-day running of the Société Française, we welcome the arrival of new, active and motivated volunteers, who will enable us to present a strengthened team at the next Annual General Meeting. Finally, on a personal note, I am grateful to all those who help me on a daily basis to keep the Société Française des Amis de Saint Jacques de Compostelle alive Buen Camino …and take all the health precautions advised. A happy summer to all, Best regards Patrice J.M.Bernard Chairman