Settling in
August 18, 2008
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.
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