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Dublin, 20 March 2025 – The Asociación de Concellos do Camiño Inglés unveiled a statue of Saint James the Apostle at St. James’s Church in Dublin, during a ceremony attended by around one hundred people, including institutional representatives, members of the Camino Society and pilgrims..
The statue, a sculpture by Galician artist Armando Martínez, was donated by the Association with the aim of strengthening the historical ties between Galicia and Ireland, and of turning this church into a new landmark for pilgrims walking the English Way. The event was attended by the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, Ion de la Riva Guzmán de Frutos; the Association’s Honorary President, Manuel Mirás; and the parish priest of St. James, Father Martin.
A donation with deep Jacobean significance
In his speech, Manuel Mirás highlighted the symbolic value of the sculpture and the role of Saint James in the history and culture of both countries:
"This statue, located in such a meaningful place, will become a point of reference for pilgrims and a shared symbol between Galicia and Ireland. Its installation strengthens the bonds of friendship and reflects the enduring value of the Camino de Santiago throughout history."
The Spanish ambassador, Ion de la Riva, recalled his first visit to St. James’s and joked with the audience, confessing that the existing image of the Apostle in the church "was too small" and that he had wished for a larger and more representative one, in keeping with the importance of the church and the saint.
For his part, Father Martin, the parish priest of St. James’s, delivered a homily in which he highlighted the spirit of the Camino as a space of equality and fraternity:
"When we walk the Camino, all differences disappear. Our age, gender, language or background does not matter; we are all pilgrims trying to navigate through life."
The event also served as a farewell to Turlough O’Donnell as president of the Camino Society, who emphasised the Jacobean routes as spaces of peace and understanding. In his speech, he stated that "we are all one and will walk together in peace," underlining the importance of the Camino as a path of cultural encounter.
The day concluded with a fellowship lunch in a local pub, during which the tenth anniversary of the Camino Society’s information centre was celebrated. This centre, run by volunteers, is dedicated to guiding and assisting pilgrims in Ireland. With this initiative, the Asociación de Concellos do Camiño Inglés reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and strengthening of the English Way, consolidating the connection between Galicia and Ireland through history and Jacobean tradition..
