Interview with Manuel Villar, president of the way A Orixe

In August it will be the first year since Manuel Antonio Villar (Palmeira, 1964) was appointed new president of the Association of Friends of the way of Saint James of Barbanza and Sar - A Orixe, an entity that in just seven years - and with a pandemic in between—has turned this newly created Jacobean route into one of the most chosen by pilgrims. The arrival of several groups is expected this summer and the goal is to continue growing, a job that he combines with his other great work as priest of three parishes in A Pobra and Ribeira and archpriest of Posmarcos de Arriba

—How did you decide to embark on A Orixe?

—It was an adventure that began after making a pilgrimage organized by the parish of O Caramiñal, in which we traveled the last hundred kilometers of the French Way in stages. During the tour the idea arises as to why we don't look for the origins of the Camino, because those origins are in the Arousa estuary, which is where the remains of the apostle Santiago enter, what we all know as the Traslatio.

—The work of justifying its existence then began.

—From there we began to search for documentation and we found different writings and testimonies that demonstrated its existence. Texts signed by Jerónimo del Hoyo, Fray Jacobo de Castro, Martín Sarmiento, Antonio Riobó y Seijas... All of them spoke about the pilgrims who passed through here, that in A Pobra there were two hospitals for them and in Rianxo another, In addition, there are different parishes along the route that bear the name of Santiago. There is also the Camino Real, which is a bit the origin of the route.

—When were the first routes made?

—The association was established in 2017 and the first routes began the following year and since then it has been consolidating. In 2022, nearly 2,000 young people from a European pilgrimage passed along this path, it was a fantastic experience.

—What are the forecasts for this summer?

—The truth is that there is a constant trickle of pilgrims throughout the year, and in these weeks many groups, both Spanish and Italian, Portuguese and some Irish and Polish, are arriving. In addition to everyone who goes on their own, this summer we are working with seven groups from different dioceses and schools that will move 600 people. We try to provide accommodation for these large groups and in this we have to be very grateful to the councils of Ribeira, A Pobra, Boiro, Rianxo and Dodro because they make our work much easier by leaving us pavilions so they can spend the night.

—Speaking of spending the night, is there a lack of hostels in the region?

—Yes, that is a pending issue that would contribute to giving greater impetus to this route. There are three or four people who are interested in the topic and let's see if they bear fruit, because at the moment there is only one establishment in Corrubedo where they can sleep for about 20 euros, but more are needed.

—Another pending issue is that the Xunta recognizes this road within the official routes.

—Yes. We have to go little by little, but the fact that the Xunta recognizes this route is the stone we have left. We must first consolidate the experience, we must consolidate the route, and once we achieve it we will try to achieve that validation. For us, the fundamental thing was that the pilgrim who makes this path obtained the compostela and we already have that recognition from the Church, I think since 2019, because the last stage of the route is done from Padrón along the Portuguese Way.

—What do the pilgrims of A Orixe highlight?

—Being able to walk next to the sea. From the beginning, one of the goals that we had clear was that the path should always have the sea as close as possible because it is the path that accompanies the entry of the Apostle into the Arousa estuary. We achieved that throughout the entire route until we reached Padrón.

—What recommendations do you give to people who want to take this route?

—It is a simple route, and I think that the most complicated stage is the one that runs between Boiro and Rianxo, and from there to Dodro, which may be a little more difficult, but not much more. The advantage of A Orixe is that it can be done in stages: this month you do one, the next the next... And if you have several days off it is fantastic to be able to do it in one go.

—Another aspect that they take great care of is the signage.

—Yes, because we have realized that it is essential for the pilgrim to have a good experience, and not get lost. It is something that they are infinitely grateful for, that it is well marked, and that is why the association carries out the tour twice a year to review the signage.

—They also bet on new technologies.

—Yes, it is something fundamental today. That's why a few months ago we launched an A Orixe website where you can find all the information about this route.

Vía: La voz de Galicia