Monday, 19 August 2013

Day 33 20 August

A "wow" day discovering more about the life of Marcellin Champagnat.  There are three important places to recall.  We visited the Chapel at Le Rosey and the cottage of his birth place, the Church at Marhles, and the  house where he began his work with the Brothers before he began l'Hermitage.  

We were surrounded by valleys, varied countryside which is described as being stony and not very productive although we did see some cows.  We drove for about 30 kms to 1000 ft above sea level so the view was rather awesome.  The most memorable place for us would most probably be the Chapel at Le Rosey where there were significant links to what we know and were taught.  From humble and simple beginnings has grown communities worldwide, all driven by the same purpose and direction.  The community here is really focused on three things - welcoming, spirituality, and formation.  The buildings, the grounds, the vision all capture the Marist way relevant to today's world, presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work and achievement, strength in character.

We spent a part of the afternoon taking photographs of yesterday's experience in the house here at l'Hermitage, history expressed in contemporary fashion, a powerful expression of faith and belief in what was begun almost 200 years ago.   We hope our photographs will reflect a little of what we have felt today.

We are coping OK as the minority in this French community.  We try to read instructions etc and hope to get it right. Everyone is very thoughtful and helpful, gentle, with lots of laughter around us.  Today a group of Spanish Brothers arrive so tonight at supper will be interesting!  

So ends a day with lots to think about.  Caught up on the washing, slept late, have been driven around and have enjoyed the meals with the community.  We will be taken by car to Lyon to fly to London on Wednesday.  No more trains!  

Have no specific plans for tomorrow so look forward to resting and reflection.  Love to all.  Thanks for your emails and comments.  

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