Re-creation of ourselves. Breakfast on the sixth day.

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To paraphrase Father Murray Bodo ... Embrace that in yourself - your inner violence - look on it, respect it, but ultimately forgive it. Forgive yourself. Be gentle towards the wolf inside; be gentle there. Look at the good in your life and in that of others. Purification occurs within stillness and a state of silence. The potential to forgive myself, as well as others, occurs in an observant manner. It is our potential to open ourselves to vision of the eye of the heart. Let it be.

This is Father Murray Bodo's understanding of one of the teachings of Francis of Assisi. Francis and his father were never reconciled; even though he had such love to give, and so many suggestions to make, his earthly father was beyond him.

***

Another day opens up on the world. It is cloudy, but already it is breaking up. Slept soundly, but had many dreams - surreal dreams - and I blame the fabulous Cantal Jeune, that was passed round last night at the end of Repas, for this trouble. The thoughtless cavalier of me needs to appear this day because there is no bus away from the Abbey until just after noon. But it will be alright. Hitchhiking up to Figeac.

One of the brothers here is from Brecon, Wales. We've both been in prison with different roles - he chaplaincy and I catering. Indeed the three brothers I have met - the hôteliers - have shown me that not all Benedictine Abbeys are as austere as Saint Paul in Wisques. The offices of the day are carried out with precision and I don't believe Christ meant for us to be so mechanical? Nothing is just happening for these men - Andrew from Brecon was in administration prior to joining the order 20 years ago. For some persons clocks are needed to be reminded of their souls.

***

Waited twenty minutes for a chap to stop, pick me up and drop me at the bus station in Castres. And straight after a bus for Albi arrives. We're on route at 8am.

***

It didn't take long to arrive in Albi. Now I am collecting my decisions in a over priced restaurant waiting for a café expresso(€1.80). But the brick-builts in the centre suggest a wealth in an age of clay. Why all the bricks? A market is coming out of the box along one of the rues off the central square. This town has something to do with Toulouse Lautrec. A snack - le Falçou - Rue St. Julien.

All the bricks are because of the deposits from the Tarn river running through here. Since the 11th century the city rapidly developed after the construction of the Pont-Vieux. And this was a dissident Cathar town, but the catholic tyranny stands ever present as the cathedral was built to say fuck you to hell heretics ...

The train leaves the platform just past noon, I will have to change in a town called Gaillac and will arrive in Figeac 1520. First train of this tour. The Tarn had some interesting wines... Not too conceited. I may take one towards the Donativo.

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