The Way of St. James from Ponferrada to the destination in Santiago de Compostela, via Camino Francés III / III
Before I finish the Camino de Santiago in May 2026, I made a pilgrimage to Loyola, Spain as a day trip.
Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 in the town of Loyola in Spain. During the Battle of Pamplona, his leg was shattered by a cannonball. From then on, he had to give up his adventurous and soldier's life. On his sickbed, he began to read about the lives of saints and the Bible. He found God and, living as a beggar, he journeyed from Spain all the way to Jerusalem.
He is the founder of the Society of Jesus and authored valuable writings and books on spiritual exercises. Pope Gregory XV canonized him in 1622.
For me, a special saint because he had to deal with a deep setback in life and, above all, health.
The place Loyola in Spain between San Sebastián and Bilbao
Panoramic view in town: Loyola
Distant view of the beautiful baroque basilica
View of the front of the basilica with the birthplace (museum)
Sculpture with the Stretcher of Ignatius of Loyola
Altar area with the tabernacle in the background.
Mary statue inside the church
View of the imposing and beautiful dome ceiling of the basilica
The rear part (exit) of the church, looking towards the organ.
Jesus statue in the side part of the basilica
Weekday masses, among others, are held in the chapel of the basilica. I was able to attend the eucharistic celebration starting at 11:00 AM. It's always nice to experience a Holy Mass in another country with a different language.
The painting behind the altar will be of the founder of the Jesuit Order – Ignatius of Loyola. The chapel was very cozy and quiet.
The musical fanfare for the final sprint from Ponferrada to Santiago de Compostela in May 2026 (200 km).
From Ponferrada (Spain) to the destination – Santiago de Compostela (200km).
The first Camino was in 2008 (started in Trier, Germany). Now my dream is coming true: entering Compostela – 18 years later!
Approximately 3,000 km were then run!
The first real milestone towards Ponferrada – only 198.5 km to go!
Grapevines at dawn around 07:00 AM -> It's spring on the Camino de Santiago
Is this a sign? 😂
...beautiful, isn't it? My new favorite photo from the Camino de Santiago!
The Tor the Forgiveness
From here, sick pilgrims who can no longer continue the journey can receive the same indulgence as in Santiago de Compostela! It is in Villafranca del Bierzo and dates back to the 12th century. (By the way: The church was explained to me by a French companion (pilgrim) by chance 😉)
The madness! There's just so much in Christianity/Catholicism!
This is the Gate of Forgiveness inside the church (locked).
„Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and sup with him, and he with me.“ (Revelation 3:20, New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)
The Camino de Santiago can also be traveled with a horse (Con El Caballo)!
...or a better option: Four Fists for a Hallelujah! 😂
A pilgrim statue in front of the Catholic guesthouse ‘La Faba' (left) with a beautifully newly renovated chapel (right).
Dzimi shortly before the border to Galicia at approx. 1,000 meters altitude and endless hills (much hardship) 😉
It keeps going up with a magnificent panorama!
The invasion of the Galicia region in Spain
You will be welcomed with bagpipe music between the inner-geographical border!
Votive candles after Holy Mass and pilgrim blessing, in the first church on the Camino Frances in Galicia. The blessing took place in several languages, and so I (Dzimi) was chosen to recite the German text in front of the altar and the pilgrim group!
The highest point at 1,270m on stage 5/5 from Ponferrada to the finish in Santiago de Compostela. From now on, it goes downhill to the town of Sarria.
Quite a view, huh? 😉
Many paths lead to Santiago de Compostela -> Pure idyll 😊
Deliciously tasty food at the end of the day's journey. Spare ribs 😁
A river near Portomarín, something different for a change (water) instead of the hills / mountains at our back 😂
Stuck on the Camino or: Everyone has their own burden to bear! 👍
St. James statue in the church in Palas de Rei, including a chat with the unassuming priest in Spanglish! 😊
For me too, a very beautiful, puristic image in timeless design.
As of May 13, 2026, I am 28km away from the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela! Tomorrow, on the High Mass of Ascension, I will walk the remaining 28km to the Cathedral, thus reaching my goal after 18 years and 3,000 kilometers walked.
There's a lot of sadness in these lines, but I'm also happy to be finishing the Camino project! 😎
Christie Ascension 2026 on May 14th at 5:15 PM, Dzimi Sokcevic stands before the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela after 3,000 kilometers walked in stages over 18 years (2008 – 2026).
The first prayer candle (small flame in the center) is lit with a prayer for all the helpers from the first Camino de Santiago (2008), especially those who gave me money for the journey from Switzerland to Spain as intercession in Compostela, including food and lodging.
To all helpers and especially companions during my treatment: My doctors, my priests, my flying club, my family. Thanks also to my employers (condition [running load] from mobile service 😉)
My professors, with whom I am still in contact to some extent, and my friends, who had a lot of patience over the years and never lost sight of the goal.
The central altar in the cathedral with a floating thurible.
The tomb of Saint James under the main altar. The destination of the pilgrimage!
The floating censer in action! 😎🙏😎
The letter of indulgence officially issued the following day for Dominum Dzimi Sokcevic
The route certificate for Dzimi Sokcevic with proof of the minimum route (approx. 120km) and the total route distance of 3,000 km, including the starting location and start date, as well as the arrival date/issuance date.
Sometimes I cursed because of the hardships, especially in the second part of the Camino de Santiago (from 2021).
In the first part of the Camino de Santiago (2008), I didn't know where to go from Switzerland (Konstanz) onwards, but it kept going with a little help – all the way to Barcelona!
Always on the verge of giving up The breeze came – it continues!
Recordings with videos from Sunday, May 17, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM, with a Mass intention established for my deceased mother, Ruza Sokcevic (2007). Photos are only possible to a limited extent, as photography is not allowed during the Holy Mass.
Queue at 10:15 AM. Holy Mass begins at 12:00 PM. Waiting time approx. 40 min. Until admission / entrance.
ATTENTION CROATS! 💪
Croatian pilgrimage group, which was also present at Holy Mass and was announced.
The Holy Mass was very well attended (May 18, 12:00 PM).
Before the service, a procession was held in which a litter, presumably carrying the head of Saint James (in a reliquary), was carried through the church. The bishop and approximately 15 priests held the Holy Mass.
After the procession, the censer was used (hovering). (1st video)
During the preparation of the gifts (2nd video) (shortly before the consecration), the choir sang. (Recording is from rehearsals).
The censer is swung over the worshiper inside the cathedral using a pulley system. It is meant to amplify intercessions and prayers!
The hymn during the preparation of the gifts, shortly before the consecration and elevation.
I lit the little light on the bottom left and said a prayer for my Spanish priest Hector, but also for all other priests. Hector introduced me to the Rosary group in Poreč (HR). He was on exchange for some time from Barcelona to Poreč (HR) during my contemplative year (2014).