Chapel at Fourviere

We went on the first of several significant trips away from La Neyliere today. This journey was to Fourviere. We’re uncertain as to the reason but Yeves the bus driver turned up with a slightly larger bus today. Perhaps it was the addition of Christof, Thilo and Alois to our pilgrimage numbers, but whatever the reason the ride was just that bit more stable and there was no suggestion of vehicle sickness today. There’s seems little point in coming all this way and for one or two to have the experience dulled by sickness.

Fourviere was our first stop, the exterior of the side chapel is being renovated at the moment which meant the large statue of Mary was glassed in and placed on display outside the Basilica. It proved to be a popular focal point for many of the visitors and gave people an opportunity to get up front and personal with the impressive image.

Part of the history of the side chapel is the placement of plaques around the walls that remind pilgrims and visitors of notable moments in the chapel’s history. Among those plaques on the wall included one each of the Society of Mary and the Marist Brothers, but also the RNDM’s, Blessed Sacrament Fathers and the congregation founded by St Claudine Thevenet, who we learnt was the aunt of Mayet.

The Basilica itself is one of the most ornate churches that most of us have seen. Some felt it was over done and perhaps if taken as a whole it’s a view that most had some sympathy with. However if ever a sermon got prolonged or someone was attending Mass in a language unknown to them, there is a wealth of material to focus on. I think everyone was pretty much agreed that the commitment, vision and skill of those involved all those years ago, can only but be admired.

Calendar at the Cathedral, keeps record of the Church year over a 2000 year span.

The visit to the Basilica complete, it was a early lunch before heading down the hill to the Cathedral. The Cathedral closed at midday, probably opening again after siesta, however we as pilgrims must move on. There are some 600 steps to the bottom and while on arrival there by cable car, some gave consideration to climbing back up, having already visited would have detracted from the meaning of climbing to the top. Least that’s our story and we’re sticking to it.

A trip to Fourviere was of course a trip to Lyon, and with our work almost done, there was a visit to Sanite Foy later in the afternoon, the small break gave people the opportunity to attend to a few chores, like Berenado was keen to get a couple of DVD’s to store some of the nearly 700 photos he’s taken and Matt and Denis were keen to track down an elusive phone card which will enable them to call back in New Zealand at a much cheaper rate. They’d done some research on the Internet and knew the card that they wanted, however they couldn’t find a place to buy it, so instead of paying 2c per minute, they settled on 15c a minute. Much cheaper than they’re currently paying.

Thilo, Alois and Christoph enjoying a little extra free time.

Much to our surprise, Fr Pat Rafter arrived here this afternoon. Pat is a New Zealander who is on a pilgrimage which also takes in Lourdes. Pat, a friend of Fr Pat Brophy, who arranged for Pat Rafter’s visit and stay.

A few of us who helped Paul Loubaresse with lifting and storing some “provisions” in the cellar, received and unexpected bonus trip around the basement. The basement is a large area, almost half the size of the main house and while most basements are just basements, this one has an element of difference in that it is also where Fr Colin is buried. Not everyone has someone buried under their house, and what makes this even more interesting is in the 1970’s the large chapel was modified to make provision for a smaller oratory-style chapel, and a large concrete wall was built over the burial spot of the Founder.  It seems that while there is a best guess as to where he is exactly buried, it is fairly certain that some of his casket will be in the oratory, most of it under this concrete wall and another part will be in the large chapel. What is also certain is that the memorial stone now in the oratory does not mark the exact spot where Fr Colin is buried.

Alois leaves us tomorrow after a very short visit. It was a pleasure to have him with us and to learn from the wealth of his knowledge. His departure provided the opportunity for us to join him in a small drink and a few nibbles. We of course look forward to seeing him again later when we are in Rome.