ARBAS DEL PUERTO MILESTONE ON JACOBS STREET

 

In the antohan or atrium of this unique church dedicated to Our Lady of Arbás there is a tombstone on which the architect Don Luis Menendez y Pidal 1893-1975 who rebuilt it is buried: “Oh God save yours soul how he saved this church from destruction. and ruin."

We stopped to sing Salve and Ave Maris Stella, my wife and I. My voice rings out in the vaults of this basilica-plan church. Excellent spelling.

 We don't need microphones to honor Our Lady. This unique monument stands on the mountain range that separates Asturias from León. There is a spring with healing properties, fresh water and full of firn. This place vibrates with mysterious magical powers that make coming here feel pleasant.

I always stop by when I go to Asturias and today it's open.

 I pray today that Spain and Christianity will not be defeated in Ukraine. A sacred place, one of the milestones of the Camino de Santiago, on whose stones the footsteps of thousands and thousands of pilgrims echo. The monastery dates from the middle of the 11th century with an attached inn and infirmary.

For those who knocked on their door, the hermit monks of the San Agustin Canons offered shelter, a jug of wine, and a piece of bread. The imprint of the Architect of the Universe, Christ Structor, is embodied in this church, and the hymns of praise of Christ Musicus ring out in its isolated naves.

 It's harmony, peace.

No other religion loved beauty (philokalia) so much.

 From here we invite Christians from Spain and all over Europe to come here and, if they can, bring an egg to the church, according to the testimony attached to this message.

Special graces are poured out over your family and personality.

In these times of upheaval, Christ seems alone. But it's a mirage. Never.

 The life-giving presence of the Redeemer sits secretly upon these carved stones, though the doors and balconies of the former abbot's house are closed.

The place is fantastic.

The Romans, who first occupied the site to find the key to the winds, waters and fertility of the site, instructed their priests to perform the "nuncupatio", the solemn formulation of the temple's consecration under the direction of the sun and the star. All roads lead to Rome.

Sunday 24 July 2022