Friday 19 December saw us moving from London to Paris via train. We were booked to get the Eurostar at 1100 but no one had told us that that train had been cancelled so along with a number of others we were upgraded to first class on a train three hours later. We decided to use the time to go back into London and see Harrod’s department store (I just remembered we didn’t see the shrine to Diana and Dodi) and also the Brompton Oratory church. This was the most beautiful church I have ever been into in my life. It was designed in a Roman Baroque style and looks very much like St Peter’s Basilica in its style. It is run by an order of priests called the Oratorians who are renowned for their liturgical ability. In fact during the shipwreck of liturgy that was post Vatican II, the Oratorians continued to offer Mass ad Orientem (facing East with the people) even though the Mass was in English. In that practice and many others they became a light for the new liturgical movement which has aimed (and is having success) in bringing the liturgy to the level that was desired by the Fathers of Vatican II (which did not involve guitars, banners or scented candles).
So anyway back to the station after that, boarded the train (just in the nick of time) and began the journey to Paris. And what a delightful trip it was! I recommend first class train rides. It was so peaceful. We watched the country side pass by, picture perfect little villages all with a little church and steeple in the centre of the village. They also served us lunch which was very tasty (I had the pumpkin risotto).
Because we were three hours later than expected though we got a taxi straight to the Blessed Sacrament Fathers house where we are currently staying (as I write this anyway). We got into our rooms and have not left since. It was just nice to be able to sit down and rest after the constant movement that has been the last couple of days. So Fr and I had chat, he offered Mass, and now I am going to bed so I will leave it there but will be happy to take any questions later :)
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