Ascension 2009 with the Bishop

When the Sisters of the Community of the Glorious Ascension arrived in Provence twenty years ago, the then Chaplain of the Riviera, John Livingstone, suggested that they should hold an Archdeaconry Ascension day Eucharist in their garden at Montauroux. Apart from being the Community dedication, the situation was deemed suitable as the house is (nearly) at the top of a hill and looks over the valley towards the highest part of the Esterel Hills. Fortunately Ascension Day is usually dry but we have the possibility of using a rather lovely chapel in the village, given to the Municipality by Christian Dior who was born in the Canton. English people are often a bit bewildered by the notice over the door legs. Christian Dior, which really refers to his legacy rather than part of his anatomy.

This year the weather was fine and warm so we were able to worship in our garden. Our neighbours came on to their balconies to enjoy our joyful music. Over the years we have been privileged to have various Archdeacons and Bishops to lead our worship, but this year was our crowning joy as we were able to welcome our diocesan Bishop to help us celebrate twenty years in the South of France. As well as the usual rousing Ascension Day hymns we sang two verses of Once in Royal David’s city, and our eyes at last shall see him...not in that poor lowly stable...which set the scene for his inspiring sermon. As well as welcoming about forty of our own regular congregation and a number from the nearby chaplaincies, we had a large French contingent to support Alice in her confirmation. Alice’s mother is English and her father is French. When Mother has to work, French grandmother brings the children. She says she doesn’t understand a lot but it feels good and she is pleased to be able to receive communion
The picnic after the Service gave the people an opportunity to get to know their bishop, who until then, for most of them had been a photo in the European Anglican. By four o’clock it was into the car to go to the other side of the village to join Alice and her family for a celebration Barbecue. In true French fashion the fun had only just got underway and it was not until 5p.m. that the “piece monté” appeared. This is the celebration cake for weddings and baptisms etc.. It consists of a mountain of profiteroles covered in spun sugar. Alice’s grandfather a retired Boulanger explained how it was constructed and how it had to be carefully timed. The day drew to a close with supper at the house of one of our families. Two mothers and two daughters with their families have separate flats under one roof. They are all artistic so the  table was exquisitely decorated and all the family contributed to a superb dinner beautifully cooked and presented. We finally arrived back at the Priory before midnight having had a day of celebration for both soul and body. We admired the Bishop’s stamina.

Cécile C.G.A.

© The Community of the Glorious Ascension, Prasada
Part of the Anglican Diocese in Europe
Page created August 2009