The Sanctuary of Arantzazu [aˈɾants̻as̻u] is a Franciscan sanctuary located in Oñati, Basque Country, Spain. The shrine is a much appreciated place among Gipuzkoans, with the Virgin of Arantzazu standing for the main worship figure and patron of the province along with Ignatius of Loyola.
The place benefits from the highland silence and peaceful atmosphere of the Aizkorri mountain range along with a good road infrastructure, so the place is frequently visited by devotees. It is located in the site where presumably the Virgin of Arantzazu appeared to the shepherd Rodrigo de Balanzategui in 1468. Legend has it, the figure of the Virgin was in a thorn-bush, and his exclamation "Arantzan zu?!" (Thou, among the thorns?!) gave rise to the name of the place. According to the linguistic explanation, the name stems from "arantza + zu", 'place abounding in hawthorn'.
St Ignatius set out from his home to walk here barefoot, whereby he spence a night in prayer at the shrine of Our Lady. His great love of Mary marked his life from hereon, and he was moved to vow himself to celibacy leaving him free to follow and serve the Lord in whatever way he was guided by God's will for him.
We have prayed here that God's will be made known to us on our pilgrimage through life. Are their new pathways we might be called to take without fear of getting lost, trusting in the presence and guidance of our beloved Lord?
From Arantzazu to Araia
What a splendid day we had of exquisite scenery and joyful company as we set off from the Sanctuary with an initial testing climb followed by a gentler wald down into Araia.
Half way up the climb we came to the spring where the Virgin is said to have appeared to the shepherd. The custom upon visiting the fountain is to bless oneself then to bless the glass face of the shrine.
Looking back down to Arantzazu
A little further on is a chapel built by and for the shepherds with regular Sunday mass held here high up on the mountain tracks.
Our intrepid guides, Luis and Fermin, soon to leave us find our own way! Pray for us!
Know that all those who have asked me to carry their prayers and pray for and with them, are constantly in my heart and prayerful walking. I peruse the written notes each evening.
It was a wonderful grace to find an inn a little beyond the chapel serving fresh food and drink. Many people/pilgrims walk/pray these tracks and need bodily sustenance also!
In these early days of the camino we are reflecting on our own pilgrimage through life and the many graces we have received in good times and in bad. As we remember God's companionship on our way we grow ever deeper in appreciation and gratitude.
Walking down to Araia we are overcome with the beauty of God's creation, and this reflects interiorly upon how God has created and gifted us as his children to love and serve him with all our hearts.
A Safron flower (from which is made Safron!)
Almost at Araia, looking back to where we have come from.
Attention! There has been an Internet blackout these last 2 days, partly caused by thunderstorms. More news soon!
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