The Associação Brasileira dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago (AACS-Brazil) is a non-profit civil society organization based in Rio de Janeiro, founded in June 1999. As it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, AACS-Brazil has plenty of reasons to rejoice, for over the years it has brought together people and organizations interested in the route, preservation, and promotion of the various paths leading to Santiago de Compostela.
AACS-Brazil – A Non-Profit Institution Helping Preserve the Traditions of the Jacobean Route and Spreading the Spirit of Solidarity and Hospitality Along the Way
Welcoming, supporting, preparing, and encouraging pilgrims to continue their journey toward the Cathedral of Santiago are also among the Association’s main goals. To achieve this, it promotes monthly meetings, lectures, hikes, and social gatherings, while also providing guidance on appropriate clothing for the long walk, proper use of equipment (backpack, footwear, walking stick, etc.), and other recommendations to ensure that each pilgrimage—whether on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback—takes place safely.
Throughout these 25 years, hundreds of pilgrims have attended meetings of AACS-Brazil, held in the auditorium of Casa de Espanha (Rua Maria Eugênia, 300), in the Humaitá neighborhood of Rio’s South Zone. Many of them have been invited to share their experiences in lectures, talks, and round tables, recounting the emotions they lived throughout their journeys.
Speaking of emotion, one of the most anticipated moments of the meetings is the delivery of the Pilgrim Credential, one of the most important symbols of the Camino de Santiago. This document, similar to a passport, must be stamped at several locations (churches, tourism offices, restaurants, etc.) along the routes to certify the holder’s status as a pilgrim. Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, it must be presented at the Pilgrim’s Office to receive the *Compostela*, the official certificate proving that the pilgrim has completed the Camino.
At the meeting, along with the Credential, the pilgrim also receives a shell (or scallop), another important symbol of the Camino de Santiago, to be carried throughout the journey—many wear it around their neck, while others attach it to their backpack. At the end of the ceremony, the Pilgrim’s Prayer is read, asking Saint James to protect all pilgrims’ steps and allow them to return home safely after completing their journey.
In this way, a great “pilgrim family” is formed, gathering regularly to talk about the Caminos de Santiago, always welcoming, guiding, and helping, especially new members. With the approach of AACS-Brazil’s 25th anniversary, the current Board decided to find a way to share members’ experiences with a broader audience.
That’s how the idea for the book *“CAMINHO DE SANTIAGO: 25 Peregrine Visions”* came about — a collection of writings from 25 members, each telling their own story on the Caminos de Santiago. Why 25 authors? To celebrate the 25 years of AACS-Brazil, and because the 25th of July is Saint James’ Day. Thus, the triple “25” became symbolic for the anniversary celebrations of the Association.
In the pages of this collection, launched in January during an afternoon/evening autograph event that brought together more than 150 people in one of Casa de Espanha’s halls, readers will find a bit of everything that the Camino offers and makes pilgrims feel or experience: emotions, pain, joy, diverse cuisine, poems, blisters, fears, doubts, friendships, spirituality, discoveries, smiles, tears, conversations (both in person and spiritual), embarrassing moments, encounters, and farewells — to people or to places. But above all, in every written word, they will find passion for the Camino. A passion that, like any other, cannot be explained — only felt! And that’s exactly what each of the 25 authors did: lived and felt the passion of being on the Camino. Many of them, multiple times over.
Congratulations to the *Associação Brasileira dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago (AACS-Brazil)* on its 25th anniversary; to the current Board (2022–2024 term) for its outstanding work and organization of the celebrations; to the members for their unwavering support of the institution; and to the many Volunteers who work anonymously to promote and preserve the Caminos de Santiago!
Associação Brasileira dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago (AACS-Brazil)
2022–2024 Term
Board of Directors
President: Alcinei Peçanha
Vice President: Hélio Moreira de Araújo
Secretary: Júlia Augusta Brant Sotto Mayor
Social Director: Lillian de Souza Leão Joppert
Treasurer: Mário Joaquim de Macedo Gonçalves
Administrative Director: Fernando Telles de Menezes
Technology and Innovation Director: Manuel Fragoso Machado Junior
Fiscal Council
Members:
Marcelo Ribeiro
Cláudia Gonçalves Pereira
Gustavo Henrique Joppert
Alternates:
Sergio Pinto de Almeida
Mônica Bento de Mell
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
