Former president of Associação Espaço Jacobeus receives tribute

António Devesa was honored last Friday, the 22nd, during the IV Fórum Peregrino (4th Pilgrim Forum), held at the Municipal Library of Albergaria-a-Velha. The distinction, awarded by the Federação Portuguesa do Caminho de Santiago (Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago), recognized his work with pilgrims and his dedication to supporting and promoting the Jacobean world.

After his first pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in 2010, which had a profound impact on him, António Devesa dedicated himself to welcoming and supporting pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. In the following years, he served as president of Associação Espaço Jacobeus (Jacobean Association) for several terms and currently works as a hospitalero (host) at the albergue Virgem Peregrina, in Pontevedra, in Galicia.

Devesa said he felt deeply honored to be among pilgrims, greeted the Galicians present in particular, and considered that the tribute also recognizes leaders, hospitaleros (hosts), volunteers, and all those who help spread the values of the Apostle. He thanked those who contributed to his journey and maintained that what matters most is not the route or the arrival, but the relationships built along the Camino.

Celestino Lores, president of the Associação dos Amigos do Caminho Português a Santiago (Association of Friends of the Portuguese Camino to Santiago), recalled several walks and events shared with António Devesa and highlighted his support for disabled pilgrims, including driving them to the hospital in his own car. The president of the Portuguese Federation of the Camino de Santiago, Ana Rita Dias, underlined his ability to spark interest in the Camino and to value the work of other people and institutions.