Pilgrimage Reflections
Today, I walked alone across the fields breathing in the brisk chilly breeze coming in from the North. There is a saying, that a breeze from the North is a herald of change. And I can attest to that from the transformation I am experiencing as I journey on this pilgrimage.
As I travel along, I jot down significant moments and the thoughts and feelings they evoke. I intend to reflect and unpack them at a later time. My list is growing quickly.
One experience is the monastery itself. The Benedictine monks founded it in the year 1119 and it flourished for over 600 years until it was partially destroyed in 1789 during the French Revolution. It was confiscated and handed over to supporters and passed down over generations until it was purchased and renovated by Benedictines and restored as a monastery.
As I walk through the grounds admiring both the old and the new, I ponder on the resilience of the Rule of St Benedict and the Church itself. As I walk the grounds, I am journeying in the footsteps of monks who lived here 900 years ago. I feel a deep sense of reverence and sacredness to be part of the Church.
One of the practices that inspire me is the rhythm of the Divine Office morning and evening prayer when combined with Christian meditation followed by a community meal. The contemplative silence and melodious chants take me interiorly and I am in a more reverential mood when we break bread at the meal.
Dusk does not come until 10pm, so I go for long walks late in the evening thinking about my life journey, where I have come from and where I am going. I humbly ask God to forgive me of my sins, negative habits and give me virtues of humility and seeing the Christ in others.
Join me tomorrow when I hope to share more of my reflections on my pilgrimage.