HERE I AM! SANTIAGO 2025

On the afternoon of May 3rd, the “Here I Am” meeting began in Santiago de Compostela, a particularly significant place, with the warm and friendly welcome of all participants from the local SSCC center and the SDB community at Casa Don Bosco, a former country house that is now a magnificent space oozing Salesianism. After the usual introductions, we shared “the omega and the alpha” with which we come to this pilgrimage city. This was followed by a dinner with delicacies, drinks, and sweets we brought from all over Spain. Finally, Eugenio offered us a nighttime tour of the city full of erudition (what a treat!).

On the morning of Saturday the 4th, we discovered the history and treasures of Santiago Cathedral, from the roofs to the interior, passing through museums, towers, cloisters… and even reaching out to embrace the saint. At noon, we were greeted by Bishop Francisco José Prieto, Archbishop of Santiago, who kindly urged us to continue celebrating the “sacrament” of the gathering. In the afternoon, after a heavy downpour, we visited the Museo do Pobo Galego, which gave us insights into Galician roots and culture. After dinner at the inn, we headed to Casa Don Bosco, where we enjoyed an evening enlivened by bagpipers, traditional music and dance, and a fabulous queimada prepared by Alberto.

Sunday the 5th began with a moment of prayer and a heartfelt final communication from the group, during which the souvenir of this edition was presented and the city of Valencia was announced as the host for the 2026 “Aquí Estoy” event. It is worth highlighting the positive evaluations of this family gathering, which has been a light for many who have come from so many parts of the Region. At noon, we participated in the closing Mass of the meeting in the church of the Royal Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares.

It is our turn to internalize the ideas they conveyed to us: Saint James, friend of Jesus and creator of a culture of peace; Saint James, land of welcome and path of hope. Thanks to the SER and the local center of Santiago for organizing and making this meeting possible! I hope many other SSCCs can take advantage of the next edition of Aquí Estoy.

Josep Maria Torrents, Province of Mare de Déu de la Mercè