In O Cebreiro the historic and quaint mountain top village that is the famous entry point into Galicia is known for many things that we will share in different blog postings and one of them is the Prayer Of La Faba of the very small village situated just before arriving into O Cebreiro as you make your way on the camino trail up the mountain ridge.

It is the poem and prayer that Lisa Moore mentioned in my Camino & Friendship post yesterday and I would like to share it with you now.  I remember how moved I was in first reading it and again each time its sentiment is powerful – I hope you enjoy!

Prayer Of La Faba

Although I may have traveled all the roads,
crossed mountains and valleys from East to West,
if I have not discovered the freedom to be myself,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have shared all of my possessions
with people of other languages and cultures;
made friends with Pilgrims of a thousand paths,
or shared albergues with saints and princes,
if I am not capable of forgiving my neighbor tomorrow,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have carried my pack from beginning to end
and waited for every Pilgrim in need of encouragement,
or given my bed to one who arrived later than I,
given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing;
if upon returning to my home and work,
I am not able to create brotherhood
or make happiness, peace and unity,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have had food and water each day,
and enjoyed a roof and shower every night;
or may have had my injuries well attended,
If I have not discovered in all that the love of God,
I have arrived nowhere.

Although I may have seen all the monuments
and contemplated the best sunsets;
although I may have learned a greeting in every language
or tried the clean water from every fountain;
if I have not discovered who is the author
of so much free beauty and so much peace,
I have arrived nowhere.

If from today I do not continue walking on my path,
searching far and living according to what I have learned;
if from today I do not see in every person, friend or foe
a companion on the Camino;
if from today I cannot recognize God,
the God of Jesus of Nazareth
as the one God of my life,
I have arrived nowhere.

– Fraydino – La Faba – Translated by Deirdre – Connecticut, USA Oct 2007