Wow what a day--we boarded a bus this morning to head out the the towns in the title. Laigne-En-Belin is the birthplace of Fr. Moreau and his home parish. We visited his home church and had mass there this morning. After mass we were treated to an aperitif hosted by the parishoners and the mayors office. Let me describe this cultural activity. When welcoming guests you are offered a beverage--here it's been champagne and cassis or beer or wine or juice and a snack. So we started off with champagne and cassis this morning. Following our welcome we visited what was part of Fr. Moreau's home (we couldn't get in as it is privately owned) and then proceeded to the bakery. Now it is important to know that this is a little town and it was announced in the church bulletin that we would be there. Yummmmm
Following our visit to Fr. Moreau's home we moved on to Ruille-Su-Loir where Fr. Dujarie was ordained, served and established the Sisters of Providence and the Brothers of Joseph. We had lunch at the Grande Providence which is the mother house for the Sisters of Providence (cousins to the Holy Cross). More wine and beer!
We traveled from the Grande Providence to the Petite Providence. This is the original novitiate and chapel for the sisters.
From the Petite Providence we went on to Fosse Garnier, the farm where Fr. Dujarie said his first mass and hid from the police. The owners of the farm welcomed us in and showed us the room where the first mass was held. Quite a moment!
From Fosse Garnier we moved on to Fr. Dujaries parish church--a beautiful church. This is also the church where Fr. Dujarie gave the leadership of the brothers and sisters to Fr. Moreau.
We returned to La Grande Providence for prayer at the tomb of Fr. Dujarie--it was quite moving and we learned about his first sermon and the letter the brothers wrote to him when Fr. Moreau took over leadership of the brothers. Very emotional and heartbreaking.
We returned to Le Mans in time for a quick nap or refresher (oh did I mentioned we had another snack at La Grande Providence). Dinner was at 7-omelets and we will all have an early evening I guess.
More to come tomorrow.
Karen
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