Bastille Day in Montpellier!

Tomb of St. Roche, Camino Pilgrim
Church of St. Roche, Montpellier

Towers of the Cathedral of S. Pierre
Seen through the Medieval Streets of Montpellier.

I'm in Montpellier for the fete nationale du France.  It's a beautiful Sunday and I was up and out early walking around before Mass at the Cathedral.  Montpellier is truly a gorgeous city.   Most of the tourist places are open for the holiday, especially the restaurants.

17th Century Arc de Triomphe, Montpellier.

I had morning cafe-au-lait near one of the scenic park areas before heading to Mass at the Cathedral.  What a mistake concelebrating that Mass was.   There were only 27 people at the 12noon Mass in a Cathedral that sits 4, 000!  The priest, though very kind and interested in New York, was here visiting from Africa only for the summer.   His French was only a little better than mine and his words were lost in the cavernous echo of the Cathedral.  It was not very celebratory.

Statue of Louis XIV
Place Royale du Peyrou, Montpellier.

After Mass I did two things I love doing.  I took a walk in a park (the botanical gardens [the first ever created in France] to be precise) and I had a lovely Sunday Pranzo to celebrate Bastille Day.  It seems like the entire historic section of Montpellier is closed to traffic.   That's like the size of Queens Village.   It's awesome for someone on foot like myself.

Fountain of the Three Graces
Before the Comedie Opera House, Montpellier.

The streets are filled with locals and tourists.   It's a very festive mood.   I think it all culminates with a free concert and fireworks tonight.  I can't wait.

Interior of the Cathedral of S. Pierre, Montpellier.

After lunch I finally got the chance to congratulate and welcome Father JunHee Lee to Incarnation.   It took me a while to track down his email but that does not damper my excitement about having him in Hollis and Queens Village.  I have been working on his assignment since last October.  He will be great for the parish and I know the People of Incarnation will love him this summer and beyond.

Newest Priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn!
Father JunHee Lee
Incarnation's own for the summer.

I see that it's been warm in NYC these past days.  Maybe slowing down in the heat isn't the worst thing.  I know it has been beneficial for me.   Everyone needs a holiday.

Medieval entrance to the city, Montpellier.
(Street is where ancient moat used to be.)

Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la France!

Medieval Gate to the city, Montpellier