The Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Founded in 1118 by St Bernard in a marshy Burgundy valley, the abbey has not change its magnificient Romanesque style. Except for the refectory which was destroyed, all the rooms have been perfectly conserved : church, dormitory, cloister, council room, heating room, lodging for the abbots and the forge.
Walking counter clockwise in the cloister and church in meditation I noticed the details in the simplicity of the place: Celtic knots, spots of light, mold, algae, the sound of the wind, the color of pink on some vaults, worn paths, flowing water - The words of St Patrick’s Breastplate come alive!
Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
A Celtic Spirit surrounds me and then..........
An image of the Good Shepherd appears and the repeated verses in John’s Gospel comes to life.......
“I lay down my life for my sheep”
God’s delight for us is total love, trust, hope in God’s sheep.
Haiku emerges:
I lay down my life
Listen to my voice my sheep
Love is eternal
Listen to my voice my sheep
Love is eternal
Amen!
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