The best walks and hikes around Bernay

When we encounter the patronage of Saint Thomas, most people outside Great Britain probably think involuntarily of the time of Christ, some two thousand years back. This is because one of the twelve apostles whom Jesus called to follow him bears this name. In the Gospels, he is known as "Didymos," which means "twin" in Greek. In this case, however, the chosen patronage refers to Saint Thomas Becket (1118–1170), also known as Thomas of Canterbury after the place of his episcopal see and martyrdom. Canterbury Cathedral (Kent, England) can be visited—at least virtually—via the komoot system at the following link: =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/231266

Beautiful walk that gives a good and beautiful impression of nature and its inhabitants

a very nice walk around

This former monastery church, the ruins of which still bear impressive witness to the former size and splendor of the abbey, was not dedicated to one of the many people we venerate as saints, but rather the ONE God in THREE persons - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God's Holy Spirit - was chosen as its patron saint. Father Reinhard Körner writes about the mystery of the Holy Trinity: "Among the great prayer-givers in the history of Christianity... I found prayer texts in which each of the divine three was explicitly addressed - in the same prayer. When I tried to recite the texts, I could sense that these people had not only had God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in mind individually - they were addressing a divine community. And it seemed to me that they could only do this in their written prayers because they did it otherwise, quietly in their hearts."

This former monastery church, the ruins of which still bear impressive witness to the former size and splendor of the abbey, was not dedicated to one of the many people who died as martyrs (witnesses of faith) for their Christian beliefs, or who we venerate as blessed or saints because of their exemplary way of life. Rather, this parish has chosen God himself - in the "Holy Trinity" - as its patron saint. According to Christian teaching, we believe in ONE God who exists in THREE persons - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The following description can be found on the EKD (Evangelical Church of Germany) website: "The word tries to express the seemingly impossible, namely that God is three and one at the same time. To understand this, it helps to consider how people have experienced God throughout history: as a creator who loves his world and people like a father loves his children. As a God who became human in Jesus Christ, his Son, and shared human life. And finally, as a God who is still present and alive among people in the Holy Spirit."

As a memorial to the many dead, such a "MONUMENT AUX MORTS" (usually called a "Central Memorial" or "War Memorial" in German-speaking countries) is still very important today. "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, as you have said..." it says in the so-called "Hymn of Simeon" (Luke's Gospel, Chapter 2, Verse 29). However, the people who are remembered here did not depart in peace, but became victims of war and tyranny. Therefore, the term "Fallen Memorial" is now sometimes used instead of the "War Memorial" that was previously common in German. In the French-speaking world, however, this aspect of commemoration of the dead has long been included in the most commonly used term "MONUMENT AUX MORTS". Regardless of language and nation, such a memorial has two important and at the same time everlasting tasks: -1- to keep the memory of the suffering and horror of war alive, -2- and to remind people of the need to maintain peace in the long term.

Bec-Hellouin Abbey was one of the most influential monasteries in medieval Europe. Founded in 1034 by a knight named Herluin, the abbey became a center of learning and culture, attracting scholars like Lanfranc and Anselm, who later became Archbishops of Canterbury. You can admire the impressive architecture of the abbey, such as the 15th century St. Nicholas Tower, the 17th century cloister and the 18th century convent buildings. You can also join Benedictine monks to pray in the church, which was once the refectory. The abbey is surrounded by a beautiful park and a vegetable garden, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature. The abbey is open to visitors every day, except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. You can also spend the night at the hostelry, if you wish to discover monastic life in more depth.

The Saint-Thomas-Becket maladrerie is made up of the ruins of a leprosarium and a chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, martyr killed in 1170 on the orders of King Henry II of England.