Days in Nay

On Sunday evening, I along with the first group of pilgrims made our bus ride to the community house in Nay. As we approached, I could not help putting my face up to the window, taking in the beautiful sites of the Pyrenese, the amazing buildings of the towns, and the narrow roads that came with them.

Throughout our time in Nay, our group recovered from our jet-lag and was refreshed by the silent beauty of the land and the energy of the community. It was touching to have the members of the French Beatitudes go outside of their traditions to welcome us and celebrate our Fourth of July with us. Wearing the American flag as bandanas or necklaces, the barbequed kabobs and other great meats, even making ice cubes and buying us beer (which is unusual here)! It was such a sweet feast, and the community was so welcoming and friendly, full of memorable characters such as Father Joel, aka Gandalf, a priest with a long white beard and who drives a John Deer lawn mower.

The land of southern France has a flourishing fairy-tale-like feel to it that made it so easy to enter into prayer in God’s creation. All the pilgrims had opportunity to contemplate and spend time with the Lord, whether it be adoration, morning and evening prayer, mass, silent time, or small group sharing. It amazed and continues to warm my hearths much our American group has opened up with the French communities over meals and with each other. It is so motivating to me to see and be engaged in the purpose of this adventure, to grow closer to the Lord and enter into the plan He has for each of us individually.