Cana
September 12, 2008
Today being the feast of the Holy Name of Mary we ended the day with “prolonged Sung Vespers.” Arriving at dinner, our voices somewhat hoarse, on the dinner table there was only food and water! Language is a significant factor in identifying and defining a culture but in France, so is wine so it was as though the table was, “bare!” The whole time we’d been here, we’d never seen a table so naked, and what highlighted the situation was Paul Loubaresse was running late. Arriving at the end of the first course, one or two gentle promptings weren’t sufficient, however at the call of Cana,” Paul being a man of the Scriptures, the language barrier was immediately broken. The wine soon flowed.
The other significant event occurred earlier in the morning, after morning prayer. It has been said, that while not too many French people attend Mass, and attending Mass regularly is generally accepted as once a month, no one can question French peoples’ passionate feelings for France. For example, those in our group who have traveled would say they’ve seen more French flags in France that they’ve seen American flags in the United States. With this in mind, and throughout the pilgrimage, whether at home or while on the road, we’ve been conscious that we are standing on French soil and using French churches. And so it was with respect that we took on board Bernd’s helpful observation that “there may be a few French people at Mass this morning.
It was Edwin McCallion’s turn to be the main celebrant at Mass and he’d prepared well and sensitively with the readings in French and English. But he’d never seen the likes of what defined “a few French people.” Setting up for Mass, and with Matt answering a gentle knock on the outside door, all of a sudden the small chapel was almost full, one woman on the way in, took one look at Edwin and in a disparaging tone saying, “English Mass today.”
If there ever was a sign from God, Edwin decided this was it, and he was upstairs in a flash suggesting to Bernd that he may need his alb for Mass as his “few English loaves and a fish” would not be sufficient to feed the French needs. Bernd’s prophecy earlier in the morning may have been a tad understated, however he was very much up to the task and a much relieved Edwin participated in a less proximate way.
These events aside, it was a wet and comparatively cold day here today. A day too to say thanks and farewell to the staff who have been fantastic throughout.
As part of the farewell process, it was very important to say thanks in particular to Fabrice the cook. In doing so, it would be remiss not to use the opportunity and clarify the meat used for Monday’s very tasty dinner. Much to my and the surprise of others, it was Pork Cheek in a red wine sauce. Asking Fabrice about the recipe, he said knowingly, “very nice?” I agreed. But when taking it that step further and asking for the recipe, as only a French Chef would, he said, “Pardon, no speak English.” The joke was on me.
Our day begins tommorrow with a 6:15am breakfast before we depart for Rome. We leave grateful for the experience and say a sincere “thank you” to everyone, “the team” here at La Neyliere who have contributed to making this part of our pilgrimage as successful as it’s been.
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