Summer at S. Pierre

Monastic Flower Garden, Solesmes.

I arrived for summer in Solesmes.  So much has changed since I left in April.  Everything is in bloom or past bloom.  The daylight lasts longer and France like most of Europe is in a heatwave.

Village Garden, Solesmes, France

After walking 500 miles, I'd imagine by now you realize that I like to walk.  The people from St. Clare's can attest to that as I used to tell them often in my homilies about my walking in Manhattan.  Well, I can honestly ay my favorite walk is the 40 minutes it takes to get from the train station in Sable-sur-Sarthe to the Abbaye S. Pierre des Solesmes.

Abbaye S. Pierre des Solesmes.

Along the river with the cool breezes;  the kids fishing, the occasional boat passing all enhance the joy of returning to the abbey.  There are gardens and little country houses all adding to the lovely setting.

Window of One of the Side Chapels, S. Pierre. 

As I arrived this evening in the village around 18:30, there was a van entering the side gate of the monastery.  As I looked over out popped Father Michael, the Guest-master and lone American at S. Pierre.   It was great timing.  He let me in and after I got settled we had a chance to catch up before dinner with a lovely chat in the gardens.  He is such a wonderful person on so many levels.

Niche with Statue of Mary Greeting Visitors to the Abbaye Church of S. Pierre.

When I went into the retreat house to join the other guest for dinner I saw Garret, the seminarian from Minnesota  whom I met during Easter Week.  He was walking down the stairs.  He's spending just a few days at the monastery before heading to Paris to study French.  Among other things we exchanged emails.  I hope we can get out for a meal, at least during August.

View of the Monastery,  Solesmes.

After dinner and exchanging greetings with two other monks I've come to know it was night prayers and bed along the Sarthe River.  A splendid place to be in any season.

Tomorrow I head off to Paris!