Pilgrimage to les Ostensions d'Aureil
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The "Ostensions" occur every seven years in the Limoges diocese in the Limousin region of France.
Arriving at Aureil on a Sunday morning in June 2002, we find the village bedecked with crepe paper flowers and paper doves.
Few people are about, except for those who are putting the final touches to the day's decorations.
After a leisurely lunch we make our way to the field beyond the village where we will await the arrival of the three bishops, and the relics of the saints of the Limousin.
Soon a huge crowd is assembled in the field, all are in their Sunday best and carrying banners, holy relics and parasols.
We meet many saints and their carers as we take our places in the procession.
After leaving this field of many colours we wend our way down the old Pilgrim Way, treading in the footsteps of generations of Pelerins St Jacques who came this way
before us.
Passing ancient farmsteads we reach the old chapel where the Bishops are now assembled to greet the relics - each in it's turn.
We continue further down the old way, singing psalms as we go, enjoying the cool shade afforded by the overhanging trees.
As we turn into the path that will take us back to the village the style of the day's decorations changes, from brightly coloured paper flowers - to white paper doves which
are suspended in the trees, and white feathers at our feet.
We remember that this is where a white dove indicated that the first shrine should be built - the very foundation of the present-day village of Aureil.
Finally we reach the village once more. The Bishops and local dignitaries assemble beside the Church, with the relics of saints arrayed for pilgrims to pay their respects.
Nearby are the menhir at St Paul and the dolmen de Pouyol
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