I’m on something of a “roll” here . . . last Sunday I stumbled upon a Mass celebrating the First Communion of a number of angelic-like children. Today, the “stumble” was into the Church in Lorient where the rite of Confirmation was being bestowed on 21 handsome “kids” . . . each of them, I’d guess, about 12 / 13 years of age. “The ceremony . . . confers gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord) upon the recipient.” (britannia.com)
Dressed in impressive, white hooded robes . . . with silver- & gold-colored crosses suspended from their necks by luxuriously woven, thick white cords . . . it looked like it could have been a group of novitiates entering into a religious life. Alas, it was a normal group of people of their age . . . many of them restless & “antsy” as the lengthy ceremony — led by the Bishop from Guadeloupe — piously conferred on them this sacred sacrament. Truly a memorable ceremony to have joined. And, again, as with last week’s First Communion service, parents & friends jockeyed for maximum photo opportunities amidst proudly approving & smiling families. It’s wonderful to find such occasions happily celebrated around the world.
Leaving Lorient, I passed through Gustavia where I noted new evidence of the — apparently — soon-to-open Joel Robuchon restaurant.
. . . and continued on to “Sunday Brunch” alongside the pool at Villa Marie / Francois Plantation. It was a nearly four hour tour de force — the time being much consumed in leisurely, fun Sunday afternoon banter & conversation. (Food porn to be posted separately.)
Finally . . . a return to Villa CEC & a sunset walk along the beach at Grand Cul de Sac.
. . . followed by another poolside meal . . . this one being dinner with Wendy (I even was the chef tonight!).
Dressed in impressive, white hooded robes . . . with silver- & gold-colored crosses suspended from their necks by luxuriously woven, thick white cords . . . it looked like it could have been a group of novitiates entering into a religious life. Alas, it was a normal group of people of their age . . . many of them restless & “antsy” as the lengthy ceremony — led by the Bishop from Guadeloupe — piously conferred on them this sacred sacrament. Truly a memorable ceremony to have joined. And, again, as with last week’s First Communion service, parents & friends jockeyed for maximum photo opportunities amidst proudly approving & smiling families. It’s wonderful to find such occasions happily celebrated around the world.
Leaving Lorient, I passed through Gustavia where I noted new evidence of the — apparently — soon-to-open Joel Robuchon restaurant.
. . . and continued on to “Sunday Brunch” alongside the pool at Villa Marie / Francois Plantation. It was a nearly four hour tour de force — the time being much consumed in leisurely, fun Sunday afternoon banter & conversation. (Food porn to be posted separately.)
Finally . . . a return to Villa CEC & a sunset walk along the beach at Grand Cul de Sac.
. . . followed by another poolside meal . . . this one being dinner with Wendy (I even was the chef tonight!).
