Lourdes

Woke early and got to church by car 8.40.No bells or junior church. Played Mascagni Intermezzo and Easter hymn for Mary Magdalene. Also Tambling on  O filii as we sang O sons and daughters. Visiting preacher good and finished 11.10. Gatwick 11.40 I had not noticed I needed to contact the driver but he appeared in 10 minutes. Assistance from Easyjet. I had time to get  a salad and coffee. Taken to wrong gate and chatted about NHS. Flight delayed 70 minutes lots of kids and crowded. Got his into Toulouse centre seems a charming place with canals. Missed train at 6.30 so got 8.30 one. Ate at Pauls at station found could not read books on Fire without internet but watched downloads Art of Scandinavia and Songs of Praise and read old Oremus.
Arrived at 11 and got a taxi with the Oxford ladies. Hotel Metropole room has 2 double beds and we overlook courtyard. Had a beer.
Monday to morning prayer and saw the Cardinal and Bishop John. Good breakfast. Choir a bit cramped open air outside basilica. We sang Nick Baty's reproaches. Excellent homily from the Cardinal. Served lunch then had our own. Food very good. Slept for 90 minutes and shower. Penitential service in Rosary basilica. Echo and birds could not follow Bishop Paul at all. Deacon also hard to follow. Confession with lovely older priest. Served supper then had ours. Torchlight procession great view. Liz read a prayer David lovely solos. Knee tired to grotto. Castle lot up. Beer and bed.
Tuesday 7.30 start woke at 3 and up at 6.30. Lovely day. After breakfast anointing of the sick at St Bernadette. Simple and nice music. Served lunch then are packed lunch and coach to St Pierre. Beautiful mass Cathedral of the trees. Liz served.Francis spoke so well about his vocation.5 the Cardinal came to visit St Frai. Great photos.shower.I fed Fred on the ward. Nice and quiet. At dinner to St Frai for singalong with Liverpool. met Fr Philip Baptiste who knows Addiscombe.Beer and bed. John Wilson says St Mary's Cadogan St need an organist.
Wednesday after breakfast tried to go to the baths but by 9.30 the msle waiting area was full so did some sketches, bought a big candle and visited the adoration chapel. Decision taken to leave Thursday because of rail strike and taxis unable to come into town because of Tour de France. After lunch to Saint Sabin  lovely Abbey with glorious views of the Pyrenees. Mass with Fr Philip.Liz served. Hungry and had packed lunch. Father Dominic mini retreat St James and Peter trying to walk on water.the Sketch. After dinner San Frai party and we sang We'll gather lilacs which was much enjoyed. To hotel Solitaire for great sing along finishing 11.15. Packed.
Thursday woke 5.30 served breakfast and Fred asked for me. Josephine's birthday and champagne for Barrie and Yvenda's golden wedding in May. Lit our big candle at domaine and Mass at the grotto. David sang beautifully. I was not going to stand for an hour so got seats near choir and we were able to leave at the end. Liz got calendars taxi to station and changed tickets with no problem. Veronica had to pay. Taxi to Isis budget Toulouse where Liz stayed before. Shower and rest very hot out.

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