[MR] Pilgrimage - greetings from Rocamadour

[Julie Morris]

The Pilgrimage – November 17th – Canton of Cyddlain Downs
http://schc.sc.edu/william/pilgrimage/
 
Announcement of A&S competitions: Pilgrims’ choice, Best documentation, and Best novice
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Friends – I have much to share!
 
The journey from Aachen to Rocamadour was blessedly uneventful. Our swordsman protectors did demonstrate their skill on our travels - but purely for our entertainment - and they were delightful companions as their wit was quite as sharp as their swords. But on to the sights…
 
My humble words shall not do justice to the sight of Rocamadour rising from cliffs over the river Alzou into the heavens. The town, the chapels, all grow straight out from the side of the rock. It was amazing. I can hardly believe that man could have created this – assuredly this was a truly inspired creation. Upon the summit stands a fortress to defend this blessed site. I do believe the French sense of defense is not quite the same as what I know from home, the great castles of Britain, but their eye for beauty is certainly undeniable.
 
I have been looking forward to this site as Roland’s sword, Durendal, is housed among the treasures of Rocamadour. It is even more appropriate to have this site after Aachen as Roland was Charlemange’s own paladin. I am about to head up to the chapel now and shall continue this letter upon my return to our inn.
 
My friends, I am back and must offer my confession to you. As is traditional, the climb to the Chapel of Our Lady is made upon one’s knees as penance, to seek healing, or simply as respect for those who have suffered before us. By the hundredth step, my faith was tested. I fear that in place of atonement, I did in fact lack the proper prayerful demeanor of the faithful pilgrim. But I did persevere and reached the final of the 216 steps still upon my knees  – yes my friends, 216 steps to the plateau upon which the chapel rests – 216! And might I add, steps are quite difficult to navigate in pilgrim’s robes. But I made it and despite my failings on the journey to the chapels, or perhaps because of them, I have had the opportunity to reflect upon my journey thus far. I know now what has been the most meaningful to me on this journey. It has been the same at each site thus far, and I have faith will continue to be – that is the opportunity to touch the walls, walk upon the floors (or steps), or to just stand in locations that are so steeped in our history – where those who have come before us have walked, laughed, prayed, and cried – it is this that has made the journey worth every trial and tribulation (though my knees may be longer in forgiveness) and it is something that I will carry with me through the end. 
 
Dear friends, I so look forward to sharing this with you soon. Please know that I think of you often and I am attempting to remember every small detail to share with you in Cyddlain Downs. I must once again beg your leave as I head out to continue my journey to Bonaria on the island of Sardinia. I shall write again soon.
 
Julian Hungerford
 
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