FUSS ABOUT A HAT

Even were my uncle to label me with the title of being a scatterbrain, I ought not to pass over in silence a rather annoying little mishap which happened to me at this place. In a hurry to get to the church, I asked a travelling companion, who was to find a coach to take us to Nice, to remove my things from the vehicle which we had taken at Cannes. He put into custody, in fact, my trunk, my night bag and my umbrella; but, not having noticed the hat box, in which there was also my famous velvet headgear and some clerical collars, he let the coach depart laden with my things. When I came back from the church, there was no longer time. We had to leave for Nice where I arrived hatless. I had almost been obliged to leave it behind at Aix: that makes two incidents which prove that hats are made to be placed on the head. All hope however is not lost: the innkeeper at Antibes promised to claim it that very day and to send it to me today at Nice. It is now five o’clock and I have not seen it arrive. You see, my dear, that my journey, although not heroic, is not without its moments. 
I arrived at last at Nice with the fifth coach, counting that which took me from Marseilles to Aix, and on entering the inn, I took care to let the canon rector know that I was confined to the inn until he might send me a hat. I prayed God while waiting, more or less well, and the hat having been sent to me, in the absence of the rector, by his servant, I went out to make the expected visit to the Bishop…

Letter to Henri Tempier, # November 1825, EO VI n 204

 Obviously in those days one did not appear for visits to important people without wearing a hat!

As we smile at Eugene’s consternation, here is a “hat quote” worthy of a smile: “A crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in.” Frederick the Great

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1 Response to FUSS ABOUT A HAT

  1. Eleanor Rabnett, Oblate Associate says:

    I love this – it does bring up an early smile. Who of us has not at least once in our lifetime found ourselves in the situation of our luggage being elsewhere from where we expected, wanted and needed it to be.

    This morning I have thought about the rules within our church, amidst the very peoples who make up our glorious church, the rules of our communities, the rules of our very selves. Rules which we have passed down from generation to generation, rules that we have shared with other family members and friends. And although I find myself struggling with some rules passed down from others (the ‘thou shalts’) I realise upon reflecting that I have my own set of rules, some which I am sure others were they to learn of would surely laugh at and find empty and meaningless.

    I don’t know the why of the rule for the hat, particularly when going to visit with a superior or bishop. It was the practice of the time and it worked for them. Just as some religious wear a habit and others wear but a cross or other symbol of who they are, how they live. So do we all, be it the wearing of an earring(s), a watch, a pair a glasses, etc etc. None of it is needed but it suits those of us as we follow the rule .

    I did not think that there was much to reflect on this morning and yet I find myself having thought of tolerance, acceptance, letting go (particularly of the need to control not just myself but others). I think of the many rules that are there solely to help me learn and grow and be, but they are not the ‘be-all or the end-all’.

    I leave to go out on my early morning walk, one of those things that I find myself doing as a part of most retreats that I make. My own little rule? Perhaps, but mostly it is something possible in this place which is a safe and quiet place with little distractions as I do one of the things I love to do – to walk and sing and be with my God.

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