Dear readers..This is the story I like to tell..because it just does not go the way you think it would,,but this is how i made my first trip to a Monastery..lets see not yet 20...In the Church 10 years..4 bioarding school around 3 1/2 Army...Maybe that had something to do with it..Phillip
JMJMonastery St.Martin
Liguge, France
Phillip Meyer S/sgt Ret.
St.Martin 1953
Around June of 1953 the Flochets suggested I go to a monastery make a retreat.It wasn't that far away and I could go there on a bicycle................No you would think I would have on my best clothes catch a bus or train (if possible) I go to the Monastery door.They know I am coming and three days of spiritual bliss;
Well that is not exactly the way it happened..
The visit to the Monastery.....
I got a three day pass and I had some civilian clothes.A shirt and trousers that was about it,I caught the bus to town and got my old bicycle from the Flochets.I had a little sack to put items in it .I bought a loave of bread,,some cheese,a can of sardines,and a bottle of red wine,,,With that stuffed in my little bag I started to bicycle toward the Monastery.I passed many farms and finally reached Poiter,Hot and tired I stopped and went into a Church.On the floor were picturs in the stones from the Roman days..After the visit I kept on bicycling and arrive at Liguge.The Monastery took up most of the village.I went around the Monastery and went down a road by a farm,I sat by a tree,,I took out my food, The sardines went (with a little wine) the bread and cheese with a little wine) then all that was left was the wine which I finished with the hot sun beating down on me.I got on my bicycle..but I kept going from side to side (I wonder why).There was a door on the wall of the Monastery.I knocked on it and a Monk ask what I wanted.I just said I wanted to stay a couple of days.He let me in no questions,I was given a small room with just a bed,,The bathroom was an out house.nearby.
In the morning a priest came to my door very early wake me up to serve Mass.I served with Rev Reni Ossart
for many years.My first duty learn prayers in french as well as latin which I knew,.After Mass a bowl of very strong coffee and milk ,Honey and bread,That was it but very good,..I went in the worship area when no one was there.After awhile I started to cry I just kept on crying..To this day I do not know why..I went to the town which was not very much at that time.A few houses and a cafe,When I went in the café I found they spoke French much differently.It was hard to under stand..In the back of the Monastery was a railroad track,,I do not remember a train coming by...One day I was in the worship area and the Monk was playing the organ..That was something to hear,,At meal time dinner and supper I ate with the monks..As you ate a Monk read from a spiritual book,,That is where I got my love for endives that the Monks served with the meals,,It was over quickly,,I was ready to leave and father Rani Acerate had to remind me that a little donation was nice before you left,Lucky I had some francs in my pocket.Over the years as I came back I would be with father Acerate.
The Monastery built around the year 700...then rebuilt,,I served at an altar where St.Martn performed a miracle,,,
Phillip Meyer S/sgt Ret
