Hochfest

Today is the Solemnity of Unser Heilige Vater Sankt Bendikt here, so there's a variety of things going on.

Last night we had Vigils at 7:30 in the Basilica with a community of OSB Sisters from here in Munich. There were about 15 of them ... including a Postulant and 3 Novices. They came first in STATIO, then us ... everyone in cuculla except Luigi and me. Vigils went for an hour ... three Nocturnes with two LONG readings and the Gospel. Psalms sung in German, of course, but the Responsories were lovely Latin chant pieces. Cantors from the respective Communities led different parts ... the Monks imported three laymen for their Schola ... the nuns had gorgeous tone.

After Vigils there was a symposium which looked like it could have been kind of interesting, but there was no way I would be able to comprehend what was going on, let alone sit there and politely look interested for hours, so I went back to my room to listen to the radio. Well, I tried to listen to the radio ... but there was a concert in the Platz behind us (where some of the museums are) so it wasn't easy to concentrate on anything. Oh yeah ... did I menion it was a ROCK concert?! (Imagine having a rock concert down by the Community Center ...) Thankfully it was pretty much over by 9:00 ... THEN I could listen to the radio for a bit before bed.

Lauds was at 6:00 am as usual. After the Midday Meal they were having Coffee and schnapps. I also saw wine glasses on the tables this morning (normally there's only beer/water glasses) so I missed out on a couple of things.

Vespers and supper will be early (I forgot what time, and need to check when I get home) then Mass (Pontifical) is at 7:00 ... I think the Parish Choir is singing a Motzart Mass, so we're liable to be at it a while. Maybe I better get a nap this afternoon.

It started out sunny this morning, so I made a leisurely walk to school. Then by the middle of the morning, it was pouring again. Now it's dry, but heavily clouded. I asked someone if it's always like this in Bavaria in the summer ....

Stopped at a grocery yesterday on my way home and did a little shopping for some snacks. (If you don't provide your own bag, you have to pay 15 cents for one.) So even tho' I have chocolate back in my room, I'm gonna stop for a little something... maybe ice cream. After all, it's a Hochfest ... and I'm on sabbatical.