December 8th will be the start of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of the Divine Mercy announced by Pope Francis. What a better opportunity to walk into Rome like millions of pilgrims and saints did in the past! The Via Francigena was the path that connected Canterbury to Rome.
A beautiful way across the countryside of Italy passing through stunning little villages and cities like Lucca, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Siena to just name a few.
To walk through the Via Francigena is overall an invitation to the young generation which will rediscover, by walking, the profound meaning of a society built on freedom, respect, tolerance and solidarity for the others. A deep significance especially in today’s world threatened by international terrorism. Walking on this routes is for everybody christians , muslims, jews.
The credential
The pilgrim’s credential, together with the Testimonium, are the fundamental documents for the pilgrim.
The credential is a kind of “identity card”, certifying that the person who possesses it is making a pilgrimage to a place of worship. It should always be carried with the pilgrim for him to be identified as a genuine pilgrim and to grant access to refuges. He will grant a stamp in every place where he sleeps, until the end of the walk.
The credential will allow the pilgrim to receive the Testimonium – certifying completion of the pilgrimage – from the appropriate religious authority.
How to get the Pilgrim Credential
1- Purchasing it online at this page www.sloways.eu/shop/gb/home/27-credenziale-via-francigena.html
Pictures courtesy of www.viefrancigene.org
By Grazia Lecca