CitySolicitor (cont. from page 11)


decamped around the house and in the garden to eat. It was a very jolly party, because Bryan and Jolanda had invited their English and French neighbours to join us.


In the evening, after a quick freshen up at the hotel, we were back on the coach for another hop along the coast, this time to Trebeurden, where we enjoyed another splendid meal in the hotel’s private dining room with magnificent coastal views and a magical sunset.


Sunday was an early start to Tréguier for the Pardon of St Yves. We had been advised to be in the Cathedral by 9 am to ensure a seat for the start of Mass at 10 am. This is when I felt rather under-dressed just in a black solicitor’s gown as we sat behind the altar with all the French and other nationality lawyers wearing their full legal and judicial robes. Although views were restricted, we could see what was happening because of strategically placed television screens and a good sound amplification system. As an Anglo Catholic and with my smattering of Latin and French, I could follow most of the service. And the cadence of the Breton songs reminded me strongly of Cornwall. I became quickly familiar with chanting: “N’an neus ket en Breiz, n’an neus ket unan, n’an neus ket eur Sant, evel Sant Erwan” (namely, there’s no-one in Brittany, no one anywhere,


to compare with Saint Yves).


After Mass there was a marvellous procession out of the Cathedral into the square led by many banners and the relics of the Saint. Despite the inclement weather, there was a massive throng of people and we all began our very long procession behind the relics out through Tréguier to Minihy-Tréguier, about 3 miles away.


The procession is really something to experience, and the lawyers take it in turn to carry the relics on the bier, including holding the gold cords attached to the glass case. (Despite the lack of a photograph, I did carry the bier for a small part of the way.) We had Breton pipers and at various junctions heavy banners were lowered and raised to the Saint. Also several older Bretons lined the route in their traditional Sunday best Breton costumes. After prayers in the chapel at Minihy-Tréguier, we processed back to the Cathedral to return the Saint to his usual resting place.


You could not help but be moved by the whole theatre of the packed Mass and then the large procession. The adoration and sincerity of those involved was a powerful demonstration of the values which the Saint represents. After all this, we went to a local village hall with the other lawyers for a served 3 course lunch with plenty of vin rouge and were joined by the Cardinal and priests involved


On the processional route


in the commemoration. The rain had kept off until we came to leave from lunch and find our way back to our coach.


That evening we went back to our Friday night restaurant and had an excellent dinner from local fish. On Monday, most of us enjoyed the welcoming sunshine to walk around Tregastel, including visiting its busy Monday street market. The Ryanair mob then enjoyed moules and frites before leaving for Dinard airport and the scramble onto the aircraft: a magical 4 days and a great rejuvenator for one’s spirit and the fellowship of our Company. (Photographs courtesy of Bob Anderson.)


Sunset at Trebeurden 12 • City Solicitor • Issue 78


Saturday Lunch with Bryan and Jolanda Licoln


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