CHAPTER 20 - FRANCE
Vibrantly colored leaves crackled under their feet as they walked toward a bench in the garden. It was their sanctuary, their place to envision the future, their place to discern what God was inviting them to collaborate on.
"I have found a small dwelling by Lake Annecy. I would like you to take a look at it and see if you think it is appropriate. I know that you are receiving a great deal of resistance because of this project, but that you are also a woman of great courage. Thank you for sharing in this vision with me."
"Thank you, dear Bishop. It is because we are in relationship that the Holy Spirit can operate between us and help us to employ our gifts in this creative way. I will look at the property you mentioned but I am sure that it will be just fine. There are several women who wish to join me in this quest. One of them has suffered a great deal of abuse. I hope that our new monastic community will be a place of healing, not only for those who will live there, but also for the people that the nuns may serve. I know it is unusual, but it would be wonderful if lay women were able to live in the community for small periods of time and make retreat there."
"My very dear daughter, I too envision a place of retreat where women can renew themselves from the cares of the world and then return to it strengthened. Additionally, I agree with you that the Little Office of Our Lady would be the appropriate liturgical prayer for our community. It is part of the public prayer of the Church, the liturgy, but it can be celebrated in a simple fashion and not be burdensome or interfere with the external ministry of the monastery. I have taken the liberty of composing a simple psalm tone of three notes which can be used as a melody for the chanting of the psalms. You asked about what type of habit or garb the nuns are to wear. Have you any suggestions?"
The Baroness took out a piece of black cloth and then placed it over her bonnet. She wondered out loud about how long the veil should be, what would look nicest, and wanted her spiritual director’s opinion.
The bishop went into his house and returned a few moments later with a pair of scissors. He proceeded to cut the veil straight across a little below the waistline of the woman wearing it. It was clear that there was to be no hint of worldly vanity in the new community. Long flowing veils were not of importance. Simple garb was.
The Baroness felt a very human twinge of pain but it was only momentary. The ultimate result of the bishop’s response was an even greater inner freedom for the Baroness.
“On another note, my Lord Bishop, your letters are a source of great strength for me. I also find increasing clarity of thought by writing back to you. I think it would be helpful for us to keep these letters. They may be of some use to others later on."
"As you wish my daughter."