Time in Switzerland (Group B)

Last week Group B stayed an extra two nights in Lourdes, which provided some much needed rest, both physically and spiritually, after the walk from Nay. We then took a train to Toulouse and stayed Saturday night at the house in Blagnac, and then woke up early to catch our flight to Switzerland the next morning.

Once we landed, we were greeted by three Community members- Sr. Marianne, Br. Andreas, and Angela. Thankfully they were here to pick us up, and from the airport we drove to Mariastein, a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Our Lady. After mass and a picnic lunch, we drove to the Community house in the town of Zug. About thirty minutes into the drive, all but the drivers were asleep, as we had woken up around 4:30am that morning (praise be to God we did not miss our 7am flight). The first thing we did once we dropped off our bags was walk down the street to the lake, and go for a swim!

Throughout the whole week, we alternated days between going out and exploring Switzerland, and having a day of rest at the Community house and doing some chores. Over the course of the week we helped with chores such as gardening, cleaning windows, preparing the dining room, vacuuming, and hanging laundry.

As far as exploring the country, we have been on several walks/hikes, both in the sun and in the rain. I am pretty confident in saying we are ready for just about anything in Krakow. We got to see the house and hermitage of the most famous Swiss saint, St. Nicolas de Flue (or as the Swiss affectionately refer to him, Brother Klaus), and say mass in the chapel built next door.

We also visited the city of Lucerne, walked through a holy door of mercy at the largest monastery in Switzerland, Einsiedeln, and visited a local farm that habitually donates milk and other products to the Community. Along the way we have stopped for a number of picnics, some spontaeous dancing by the lake, a soccer game or two, and an occasional group singing session will erupt when Chris or a brother sits down to the piano while we are all doing some chores. Needless to say, this week has been absolutely amazing, and we are so gracious for such a warm welcome from the borthers and sisters here. Tonight we celebrated Shabbat, and tomorrow we head to Prague by bus, and will be in Poland by Sunday night!