Je suis arrive!

The past two weeks have been very hectic preparing for my departure.  So many people were so helpful - my nervous stomach was not.  Both a cold and a stomach virus made my last few days even more hectic.  I think everyone in the rectory was so relieved when I left them.  I was driving them crazy trying to prepare for all the events that will go on while I am on Sabbatical.  All they wanted to do was get me on that plane!  In the midst of handshakes and hugs I realized that Incarnation is in good hands.

The plane that they wanted to get me on was late - two hours late.  So I spent an additional two hours home while not feeling my best.  Now that I didn't have anything to do I was overwhelmed with emotions of thanksgiving over two great events:  the generosity by the People of Incarnation to me and the never ending generosity of God toHis People in the gift of our new pope.

I always thought the people of the parish liked me - or at least what I'm doing at the parish.  I was so shocked and humbled over the cards, gifts and best wishes I received before my departure.  There were cards from groups and societies, best wishes on parchment or in crayon, hugs and kisses or voice and emails.  All wishing me well and offering me their prayers.  How lucky I am.  I hope this blog will allow those who want the opportunity to journey with me over the next few months.

While waiting at the airport I got the chance to read a few newspapers.  I don't get any delivered at the rectory.  Reading about Our Holy Father's Mass of Installation on the Solemnity of St. Joseph - Husband of Mary, Patron of the Universal Church and Guardian of  the Redeemer,  I was so amazed at how so many people have a connection already with their new "papa."  It's more than faith and optimism that has me expecting great things from Francis, our Pope.

Finally on my plane after going from one part of the American Airlines terminal to the other and back again, I had an uneventful flight.  I skipped the meal and just closed my eyes.  While i never really sleep on planes I just enjoyed the rest.

Arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris it could well have been JFK if they weren't shouting directions at us in French.  33 degrees (that's zero celsius!) with a cold mix of snow and rain falling.  Just what I left, no?  I had plenty of time to get my bags and catch my train to the Loire Valley.

Oh, I forgot to tell you what I am bringing.  Everything!  For those of you who would tease me about how little I bring on the parish pilgrimages and trips I wish you were there to see me navigate the airport and rail stations with a giant black suitcase, a tremendous duffle bag with my back pack for the camino and a black shoulder bag for money, documents and my laptop.  What a mess!  Why am I bringing everything?  Because I am here for three seasons.  Because I am praying, studying, hiking.  Because I love being prepared especially when it comes to the comforts of home:  medicines and toiletries!  So far the only thing I realized I forgot? The only thing that was indispensable:  my camino guidebook and map!  Jose Santiago, the PAG-ASA coordinator, offered me a copy before I left.  I told him to keep it I have the same book upstairs.  Well, it's still there on my night table!  Nothing a quick call to Amazon can't fix.

After a cold and tough trip with my bags, I arrived in the rain to the Abbaye S. Pierre des Solesmes.  It was during lunch so I spent some thanksgiving time in the abby church.  I lucked out on my arrival for the Benedictine Monks were celebrating one of the great feasts of their community:  the Transitus (or death) of St. Benedict.  There is a beauty in the silence of any church - particularly an abby church with the rain pounding down.  That was quickly dissolved when a group of about 60 sixth or seventh graders arrived on a school trip to hear the monks sing their prayers in Latin.  While they were cute kids, it was simple a disaster!  After mid-afternoon prayer I found the guest-master and made it to my rooms.

I had some time to get my things in order, cry a bit over my missing guidebook and lay down a bit before Evening Prayer and Benediction.  I'll talk more about the way the Benedictines pray and sanctify the day.  Before dinner, I had the chance to catch up with Fr. Michael.  He is from Hartford, CT and I met him here over twenty years ago.  He has aged much better than me!  Before dinner with the community, I met the Abbot who spent some time speaking with me and then washed my hands:  A sign of welcome that Benedict has in his Rule.  After dinner I went right to bed.  I couldn't go back for night prayers in the church.  I was too tired.