Thoughts on the way from Wattwil to Schmerikon

From the diary of the pilgrim James

Maintaining traditions in changing values
Once upon a time, luxury goods of the highest quality were created here – painstakingly handcrafted by the nimble hands of women, men, and children. But today, in the digital age, the old looms of Wattwil stand idle. And in St. Gallen-Kappel, only the richly decorated Baroque church indicates that an ancient pilgrimage and trade route runs through here. How much luxury does a person need? What were fine fabrics and exquisite embroidery worth to a pilgrim? What are they worth to me, who has consciously set out on the solitary journey along pilgrimage paths?

For reflection on the way

"Shortly before the Way of St. James branches off toward Schmerikon or Rapperswil, I find myself standing at another deep ravine, the Aabachtobel. In life, we must continually build bridges and choose a direction. These are situations when rifts open up—including rifts between people, and when the paths we choose determine our destinies. It's probably no coincidence that this time I come across a bridge and a chapel dedicated to St. James."

I will give you an angel, completely invisible and light. May he guide your steps as far as the bright sky reaches.
Ch. Spilling

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