'TRAVEL BROADENS THE LITURGY..'

CHURCH IN COCHIN -St. Maelog's Day

Found an 8am English Communion in St. Francis Church. Thought the congregation bit small for this area, but they trickled in during the first ten minutes or so of the service, including choir members who straggled in. They were actually a very good choir when they finally all arrived and the congregation was pretty large.

The service was lovely, really quite moving, not least due to the earnest enthusiasm. It was a version of 1662, and the hymns were good old revivalist ones. I admit to a smile when the offertory hymn was, 'I surrender all to Jesus' - though it was obvious there was some sacrificial giving going on, and, in fairness, the theme of the day's readings was the cost of disciplleship.

A few lovely bits struck me particularly and gave rise to quote of the week from Dave, 'Travel broadens the liturgy!'

Particularly nice was the way of sharing the peace with a large congregation and another queuing to get in for the next service. The priest said the sentence for the peace, then solemnly shared peace with two servers, or maybe wardens, who then shared the peace with those on the ends of the rows, who shared it along the rows. It was lovely, warm and dignified.

No swine flu chalice problems here. Although the church - cathedral really -is very poor and plain, it is swept and clean, but the chalice and a little ladle are gold. The priest dips the ladle and pours it, with no contact whatsoever, into each mouth. I think I was being a bit mimsy with the mouth-opening bit, so he gently but very firmly put a napkinned hand under my chin and pushed my head back! Got to admit, it worked and no risk of contamination!

The intercessions were the standard 1662, but there were separate prayers for the sick and needy of the parish, and after these the choir sang a short, lovely little thing about 'We offer them to God.' Liked that!

As seems to be the pattern here, men and women go for communion together. If you visit this church during the week, you are asked to remove your shoes at the door, and no-one is allowed in the sanctuary. On Sunday I realised people were keeping shoes on, but then we removed them to go up for communion, which seemed right. Still appreciating the purchase of easy on and off shoes!

The sermon was, as usual, declaimed loudly through many speakers, but was actually very good. There were a few Europeans present, not many, but a lot seemed to appear looking through the windows towards the end. Turns out that Sunday is cruise ship day in Cochin, so coachloads came, but no-one had organised to get them here in time for the service, which they obviously regretted

Since coming back from church we have seen coachload after coachload of Cunard groups soming through, many stopping at the hotel opposite for lunch. Made us think how often we have been part of such a group - and what a lot they're missing!

Onwards.....

This will probably be the last bulletin from Cochin as we move on tomorrow. Had planned to go to Ooty, but there are railway problems there. Then thought of Goa, but flights are outrageously expensive and trains booked, so we have decided to go a bit further north to Calicut. We tried to book in at the hotel where Somerset Maugham stayed, but sadly full. However, we booked the next best thing and, believe it or not, it has actual baths! Heaven- well hope so, unless it's cold water!

Ought to say, we did discover hot water here yesterday after accidentally leaving it running about 10 minutes! What have we been missing?

Also pushed the boat out last night and went for a meal at The Old Courtyard. Posh, te? The actual courtyard is a bit tatty, in need of a coat or two of paint, but it had fairy lights and table lamps and live Carnatic music. The food was amazing! Simple, but wow! Example: tiger prawns in tempura (and you ain't never seen them this big!) with a light soy dip, chicken supreme with saffron, and tiny baby veg (Isauce to die for!) then pineapple flambe. Even proper coffee and good black tea! And all for less than £12 each! Mind you, that is a fabulous amount to so many here. After the simple fare of the south that was some meal!

All the buses here have names, mostly in the various religious groups. Watching from our balcony this morning, we came to the conclusion that Infant Jesus doesn't work Sundays! Previously we have seen 'Infant Jesus', 'Baby Jesus', 'Christ', 'Christ the King' and 'Mary Martha'.

We have enjoyed Cochin and have marvellous memories - and photos!