The Adventure Continues, by Sister Elaine Hollis, SSJ

After our time at the archives and kitchen, we walked to the Cathedral of Notre Dame du Puy. This building dates from the 11th and 12th centuries and is constructed on Mount Anis, the site of a pagan shrine well before Christianity spread. Like pilgrims through the ages and many SSJs and their Associates, we climbed over 134 steps to enter this incredible sacred space. Within it is more art than we possibly could have seen in the time we had. We did get to see the statue of the Black Virgin and the list of bishops in LePuy including the name of Bishop Henri de Maupas.

View of the Cathedral and the many steps.

List of Bishops with name of Henri de Maupas who was Bishop from 1641- 1661

Image of the Black Virgin

Leaving the Cathedral we walked rather gingerly over the cobblestone streets (they must do a grand business here in orthopedics), and ran into an Ursuline Sister who happened to have the keys to L'eglise du Collège. This is the first Jesuit church in France founded in the early 17th century. It is probable that Fr. Medaille celebrated Mass here in this place also frequented by Saint Francis Régis, the patron Saint of lace-makers.

Main altar in L'église du Collège

From this church we walked a short distance to "the square of the martyrs." This is where the guillotine stood during the French Revolution and where at least a couple of our Sisters were killed. After World War I they planted a tree to honor those who died in the war and it seems to be growing well at this site.

Tree planted in "The square of the martyrs"

Plaques below the tree honoring the dead

As it was getting close to suppertime, we found a little sandwich shop and with help from one of the Brazilian Sisters on staff we managed to order some simple food and beverages. Along the way we had passed a sign for a "WC" and anyone who knows me knows what that means. Three of us went to find it and being the eldest they let me go in first. Everything was wet but I didn't give it much thought. On leaving I nicely held the door for the next person to go in. Next thing we knew she came running out with her pants and sneakers wet since this "toilette" was "automatique" and once the door closed it proceeded to wash itself! I'm afraid I was not a very good SSJ as I nearly doubled over laughing seeing her astonishment at this totally unexpected occurrence!

Following that adventure we headed for home and the safety of bathrooms that are only cleaned by people.