A Transformative Holy Week in the Heart of La Viale - Sooraj Dominic

The air was crisp as we embarked on our journey from the bustling streets of Paris towards the serene hamlet of La Viale. Packed into a car with three fellow Jesuit companions, anticipation hung heavy in the air as we left behind the familiar comforts of the city and ventured into the unknown. Our destination: a place of prayer, work, and silence nestled amidst the mountains of Lozère, where the rhythms of nature beckoned us to slow down and immerse ourselves in the sacred journey of Holy Week.

As we traversed the winding roads, each mile brought us closer to the heart of La Viale. The landscape unfolded before us like a perfect work of art, painting a picture of rugged beauty that spoke to the soul. It was in this backdrop that our journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal would unfold.

Arriving at La Viale, we were greeted by the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The quaint chapel, once an old stable, stood as a beacon of peace amidst the verdant landscape. Surrounded by icons and flickering candles, the cross of Christ beckoned us to lay down our burdens and find solace in its embrace.

Our days in La Viale were marked by a rhythm of prayer, reflection, and communal living. From the early morning hours spent in silent meditation to the shared meals that nourished both body and soul, each moment was imbued with a sense of sacredness that permeated every corner of the hamlet.

As Maundy Thursday dawned, we gathered in the chapel to commemorate the Last Supper and the washing of the feet. The simple act of service echoed through the ages, reminding us of the humility and love embodied in Christ's example. In the hushed reverence of the chapel, we knelt before the cross, offering our own lives as a living sacrifice.

Good Friday brought with it a solemnity that hung heavy in the air. We retraced the steps of Christ's Passion through the Stations of the Cross, each station a poignant reminder of the suffering and sacrifice that led to redemption. In the stillness of the afternoon, we gathered once more to venerate the cross, allowing its weight to pierce our hearts and lead us to a deeper understanding of the mystery of salvation.

The Way of the Cross became a journey of the soul, a pilgrimage of faith that led us to confront our own weaknesses and shortcomings. With each step, we embraced the cross as a symbol of hope, knowing that through Christ's sacrifice, we are offered the promise of new life.

And then, Easter dawned with a joy that echoed through the mountains of Lozère. In the dim light of the chapel, we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, our hearts ablaze with the hope of redemption. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lilies as we sang praises to the Risen Lord, our voices rising in unison to proclaim the victory of life over death.

Our time in La Viale had come to an end, but the journey of faith that began on that distant road from Paris had left an indelible mark on our souls.

 In the silence of the mountains, we had found a sanctuary for our spirits, a place where the rhythm of the seasons mirrored the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. As we bid farewell to the hamlet that had become our home, we carried with us the lessons learned and the memories cherished, knowing that in the heart of La Viale, we had encountered the living presence of God.