Day
07–Wednesday, May 27
https://www.flickr.com/cameraroll
Vienna:: Boat ride up
Danube River to Bratislava(1:30)/Bus to Vbrove and Trnava/lunch and tour Trnava
Abbey (houses and convent)/travel back to Vienna/dinner on your own/hotel in
Vienna
We had a second night in the Mercure hotel. It
is in the first district, the center of town and what the tour guide referred
to as “property of humanity.” The center of town will no longer be changed or
renovated.
The folks on the tour
have been all over the area, different local restaurants and the Gelataria–that
one is popular—historical sites, and some concert-goers tonight as well.
High speed catamaran
took us from the city center to Bratislava. The ship traveled the channel to
the river slowly, and then took off. The lower level, much like a well-kept
large bus, maybe 12 or 14 seats across, had an outside deck with no seats. The
second level was much smaller with seats in the back, something like a first
class cabin in the front and little walk outs good for taking photos. I kept
getting distracted by the random castles in between contemporary buildings
along the riverside.
We could walk around the ship once out of the
channel. The group explored, stood and chatted, and took tons of pictures. The
wind was whipping on the top-level, it was COLD. I have an excellent photo of
John Watters toughing it out on the upper deck.
With our new windblown
hairstyles, we met Hans and the bus on the other end of the cruise. Not seeing
much of Bratislava, it would be hard to comment, but I can say there is an
entirely unfamiliar language and different currency.
According to The TJA (Fr. Ted) update: We will
see Vbrove and later Trnava. The Norbertine sisters reside there. Active women
in religious life are sisters, the cloistered are nuns. The Norbertine order
only had Nuns originally, the contemplative life was eliminated and
re-instituted later when Joseph II wanted to open a contemplative community at
Strahov. Trnava is the sister Abbey to Vbrove. The sisters themselves are sent
all over the world and the house is also now taking on novices.
Our visit took us
through their two houses. The first with around 43 sisters present and around
40 abroad, and the second with 9 residents. One very different from the other
in look but not feel.
Communio is insanely
obvious and well exercised there. I believe it is their first love language. I
was touched by the depth of care, openness of heart and their desire to be
connected to us. I suggest you visit—there are few words that can accurately
describe their home. They are special in the very best sense of the word.
It’s evident there is
little extra wealth in the houses, but they take care of and cultivate what
they have. (And share it.)
The sisters were excited
to have their St. Norbert College friends back. Two of them graduated in 2004
and one in 1998. I tried to get their names but will butcher them, I think it
was Sierta and Edwina from 2004 and Mother Superior from 1998 (who is a near
copy of my Grandma Mildred).
They toured us around
the property at Vbrove. The quaint gardens are immaculately kept. Sierta told
us they have 500 vines in their yard. They served us their wine with lunch.
Lunch was beautiful too. Mixed main plates with different meats, vegetables and
potato wedges. This food was a good thing for Sam Wagner, she says she can’t
even look at another Schnitzel.
There are too many
beautiful things about this place and people to draw an accurate picture.
I heard heartfelt words
from Sierta: I just pray that the way we live here, and in the community,
accurately displays the love of Christ to the people here, and elsewhere.
Poignant words but it was the way she said them as she smiled and lowered her
eyes that will stick with me.
After our lovely conversations in the garden, we
got back on the bus and headed toward Trnava…guided by a blue car full of
sisters and Fr. Sal.
Trnava has a very distinctive look to it—rather
Medieval and a lot like a movie set. It has a unique appeal with old paint and
wrought iron, bricks exposed through plaster and the lot. As we entered the
church there and we found a local prayer service happening, I didn’t get many
images and we didn’t stay long.
We walked through the
streets, still brick paved, to see the second house of the sisters. They wanted
us to see their chapel, “small, but the same Jesus,” Mother Superior
said.
And just as quickly as
we entered there we were ushered into a dining space, not made for 40 but with
40 chairs lining the very edge of the room. More food! Desserts, snacks, and
drinks were waiting for us. And if that were not enough, they came around with
strudel (twice) and then ice cream!
We talked and got our pictures, the sisters
shared stories of learning at the college, and some really funny quotes from
teachers, lessons and friends.
“…And then he asked if I
were hungry, I said no, I’m Slovak,” retelling a story of a fellow priest. And
“…thank you for your radical hostility…” in another re-telling. Possibly a few
language gaps.
And of course, if all this loving-kindness were
not enough they gifted us each a cord and bead bracelet AND a tiny beaded
angel. I do not know what about this gift stirred me so much, I nearly broke
down in tears. Maybe the generosity of those with so little, maybe their desire
to stay connected through these reminders, or maybe the selfless giving with no
expectation of return favors–maybe all of those…I love my gifts.
Some photos, then long
good-byes were said and once again back on the bus back to Vienna.
I love the sisters.
Tomorrow, those who choose to tour
the city and then onto Prague. We won’t have much in the way of Abbeys to
share. So there’s a bit extra time to catch up posting photos and a few more
articles from John…
