Isa Lei – minimises the cultural divide
August 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
It’s very difficult to keep a secret when in a “touring group” or a group that is “travelling” together. Most of us arrived at breakfast a little weary after yesterday, but were surprised at the enthusiastic morning greetings we were receiving from the other group in house, the people involved in the “Non violent communication” seminar. “Hello Brother,” “Good morning Brother.” It was different to what we had experienced before.
It’s no secret that different people process experiences in a variety of ways and late last night, in the area the community calls the cloister, Bernard was singing and playing his guitar. Unbeknown to him, it was their final night and they were having a bit of a party upstairs. Without music one of their number happened to hear Bernard strumming away and singing. The invitation was extended and he joined them for a short while. Isa Lei was a great hit.
These people were French speakers, we are predominantly English speakers, yet Bernard’s quiet enthusiasm and this Fijian song, broke down linguistic and cultural barriers ever so much quicker than our attempts at greeting them in French and an occasional smile.
Yesterday was a day for “taking it all in” however the magnitude of yesterday began to sink in today. It was a quieter day and a good day to reflect on the significance of this visit for us, the place where the initial idea of the Society of Mary, was given to Courvielle.
Bernd also opened up for us the distinction between listening and hearing, but placed this in the context of our charism, of thinking as Mary, judging as Mary and acting as Mary.
A statue that pays
August 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
With our preparations complete, it was an early start for our first journey to Le Puy. Perhaps a little too early for some, but brotherly concern was expressed by a timely knock on a couple of doors. All easily made the 8am start time for our journey.
The first impression of the France countryside is how picturesque it is, undulating and relatively how many paddocks are in crops compared with the number of animals that seem to be farmed. The other, almost overwhelming feature is how green the pastures are; it is in the middle of summer.
As an aside, Bernd did discretely mention that we were traveling in German style, a Mercedes Benz mini bus, but was shocked, as we all were when the sliding door opened automatically as we were travelling down the motorway.
The walk to the Cathedral at Le Puy is something to undertake with care. The narrow cobble-stoned roadway and pavement, if a distinction can be made, makes it easy to turn an ankle on. And then of course there’s the occasional vehicle. It’s however a path well trod by the many of tourists and pilgrims to visit both the Cathedral and Mary’s statue on the top of one of the hills.
Paul Pidcock and Edwin McCallion chat during the picnic.
The first feature of the cathedral that struck most of us was the entrance, lots of steps, but they deliver you within 15 rows to the altar! A good design and a way to promote the congregation to the front of the Church.
There are many styles of architecture in this Cathedral, reflecting the various periods of and influences in its development. A highlight for most was to see the black Madonna and Child and perhaps the statue of St Anne teaching Mary. We joined together with the local people for an 11am Mass and were made very welcome. After Mass there was time for a little bit of shopping in the Cathedral shop and we then made our way to the “Grey” Sisters backyard and enjoyed a picnic lunch. As well as being responsible for the liturgy at the Cathedral, the sisters, a semi-enclosed congregation, also staff the Cathedral shop. In case some may be concerned that it might be “cash only”, believe me, there’s no problem using your credit card here.
Statue on top of the hill at Le Puy
Immediately after lunch we joined with many others to walk up the hill to the 16m high statue of Mary made from Russian cannons used in the Crimean war. This vantage point also provides great views of the whole area, as far as the eye can see. Because we had to pay to climb the hill, we were each given some pocket money to get by on.
Initially the climb look daunting, but really it’s a bit of a dawdle. Mind you, we each had to pay 2 Euro or something for the privilege. Paying to visit the statue leads me to yet another surprise of the day, we were all given some pocket money, “to help us live.” While tired at the end of the day, several members of the group immediately perked up at the site of another statue.
There was a couple of hours spare before we departed and so it was an opportunity to walk around the streets of Le Puy, have a cup of coffee or a cool drink, soak in the atmosphere. It was time well spent.
All the group were surprised at what we’d experienced, the Cathedral, the architecture and it’s many styles, the magnificent views from the top of the hill. However it would seem that the groups’ pre-visit impression of Le Puy was very different from its post-visit view. Le Puy is a significant place to visit both in its size and even in “these” days, for faith reasons.
A really enjoyable day and just when we thought the surprises of the day were over, we arrived home to be greeted with the news that the Internet connection was now working. Joy all round and thanks to Paul Loubaresse and Jean-Bernard Jolly and their friend.
Nature’s verdict – final
August 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment
We took in a lot in one day, however all has gone very smoothly and we all seem to be getting on well.
In terms of content we were fairly much left to our own devices today, that’s not say it was a free day, far from it. Outside of preparing to visit Le Puy tomorrow, there was the opportunity to avail ourselves of the library and read perhaps for the first time, or re-read now with some experience behind us, material with, as it were, “eyes anew.”
Matt Morris visiting the Colin Museum
A highlight of the day was being introduced to the Museum of Oceania and Fr Colin’s study and bedroom. It was kind of strange to visit, but there was a real buzz in the rooms.
It was cloudy and somewhat colder overnight and today, many saying they slept either with a blanket or additional blanket for warmth last night. We had our first experience of thunder and lightening today, I say our first experience, because a week or so ago there was another thunder storm that disabled access to the Internet. It’s refreshing to see that telecommunications communications companies even in France say it’s not their fault and that it’s to do with the settings of the internal wiring and the like. Some 2 hours work “after hours” by Paul Loubaresse, including a lengthy phone conversation with the telecom help desk suggested differently.
Nature’s verdict, not to mention Telecom France, had proved to be final and with the Internet out of action, communication the world was at a minimum. Bernd Kordes was nearing his “wits end” as he was expecting some important messages, while Charlie Randle, who had unfortunately left his travel bag with some money, camera, drivers licence and credit cards on the plane, was finding it difficult to get answers over the phone in English from the airline. Those avid followers of the Olympics and the like were reduced to getting results from their friends either by txt /sms messages, in conversation with them on the phone or by getting the gist of what’s happened by skimming the French newspapers. Those reading this know that we live in an information age, however if we ever needed confirmation of it, these last couple of days go someway towards demonstrating it. It’s time for Telecom France to “step-up.”
Settling in
August 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The first day of our renewal, and the group began fresh and enthusiastic, with the exception of Marcel Maa from Africa. Marcel had some Visa issues and could not get a ticket until today, so we are hopeful to see him later in the week. For the record, the following are the participants: Deogratias Bararishize and Marcel Ma’ah (Africa), John Beckley (Atlanta), Mikaele Cilicewa [Fiji], Paul Pidcock and Charlie Randle (Australia), Edwin McCallion (Ireland), Matt Morris, John Murphy and Denis O’Brien (New Zealand), Berenado Petero (Oceania).
As we gathered, no one really knew much about what we were about to embark on, other than from what we had gleaned from those who had gone before us. Most have given glowing accounts. Any fears that we had were soon allayed firstly in meeting Bernd Kordes and then secondly in his presentation of the outline of what was ahead.
Bernd’s presentation complete for now, it was our turn to introduce ourselves. While there are various nationalities, ministerial backgrounds, life experiences, ages, and local interpretations of the Marist Charism in our group, the openness and brotherly interest in each other is immediately evident.
Very early in the first afternoon, John Beckley presented Bernd with a beautifully woven image of the Madonna and Child. It was an image that John particularly liked and he shared with the group the meaning of the symbolism it contained.
First days are initial impression days. As well as getting to know each other, it was also an opportunity to get to understand a little of the French way of eating. Breakfast is simple, slices of French loaf, perhaps with butter, but generally with a fruit conserve, along with a bowl for coffee. Some prefer tea. The main meal is in the middle of the day and is served in courses, typically a salad, some carbohydrate (rice, pasta, potato), meat and vegetable of some sort, followed by cheese and then a desert. French loaf is always available throughout, as it is for supper, which takes a similar format. At both meals a wine is served, purchased from a local merchant who mixes his own blend.
A typical St Symphorien street
Gastronomical impressions are one thing, but the local surrounds are also part of the process of introduction. Each of us has our own room with a good firm bed, desk, chair and hand basin. Toilet and bathrooms are nearby. Wider afield, but also nearby are two villages, one, Pomeys somewhat smaller and closer, while the larger, St Symphorien is about a 20 minute walk there and a 25 minute walk home. There is a cafe-bar-restaurant at Pomeys, however it’s holiday time and it won’t be open again until 1 September. A number of the vendors are similarly closed at St Symphorien, but not all. Most importantly the well-stocked supermarket is open and several make a trip to pick up some essentials.
While rural in its setting, La Neyliere is a busy place. Three Marists, Jean-Bernard Jolly, Bernd Kordes and Paul Loubbaresse live and work here, along with a staff of full-time assistants and several part-time people. All contribute to help keep the place functioning smoothly.
We are not the only ones here, living in with us, albeit separately for the week is a very large group of people involved in a non-violent communication.