Sabbatical Sayings: The Trials of Orleans!

Post War Stained Glass Windows,
Saint Pasteur Church, Orleans.

Yesterday I had an ambitious trip from Provence on the Mediterranean coat of France back to Orléans and the Loire. It would have been a long hall on a good day never the less: up to Paris, changing rail stations and then down to Orleans. But the train accident I mentioned the other day knocked out all the train to Orleans! So I was stuck at Gare Austerlitz with hundreds of my closest friends trying to get to Orleans. After a few hours we got on non-air conditioned busses in the 90+ heat for the two hour ride. Ah, the joys.

Statue of the "Maiden of Orleans."

Upon arrival and a much enjoyed shower I went out to find one of the main squares with the iconic statue of the Maid of Orleans completely under construction! The next morning when I arrived at the Cathedral it was restricted because there was a funeral. Now, this isn't getting burned at the stake but it was frustrating.

Joan of Arc saved Orleans -
Now her statue watches as it is rebuilt.

Once things settled down, Orleans is a very beautiful city that sits on the Loire River. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, both inside and out. Much of the city was bombed by the allies in the Second World War as the Nazis used strategic Orleans as a hub. Joan of Arc's house was demolished but I visited a post war recreated house that was very informative. Luckily the Cathedral was preserved. That being said, most churches in the city have post war stained glass windows.

View of Holy Cross Cathedral from
Rue Jeanne D'Arc, Orleans.

I was able to celebrate Mass at the XI century church of the Roman Soldier Martyr St. Donatus. They have a gorgeous Daily Mass Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Salette. After lunch I had a lovely walk along the Loire River Walk. It is much more rustic than many other cities. It also had great tree coverage which was very much appreciated in the heat of the day.