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MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR TEILHARD
For almost a decade an intrepid band of Teilhardistas have been caring for Teilhard’s grave in Hyde Park, NY, on the grounds of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The effort was originally led by Dr. Jacqueline Francois, and her late husband, Pierre. They were soon joined by a team of their former French students, which today includes Elaine Sackmann, Rose Marie Occhino, Marie Rhodes, and Mary Jane Dooley. Twice each year they renew their landscaping of the gravesite. (Most of the team led by Jacqueline are in the picture below).
With this lovely floral arrangement, Teilhard’s resting place is appropriately set for Christmas and whatever winter brings. Notice the large number of stones on the top of his tombstone, indicating the many people who have visited his grave.
Thank you to these dedicated women for the sake of all of us!
Frank and Mary Frost
WORLD WAR I: TEILHARD’S CRUCIBLE
Teilhard in 1917, wearing two medals he was awarded for valor.
Following up on our post after Armistice Day: serving in The Great War was a pivotal point in the life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. At the age of 34 it proved transformative for him.
Teilhard’s reaction to the war he was experiencing was complicated.
In his frequent letters to his cousin Marguerite he admits to fear of dying. “It’s indeed the supreme difficulty to be ready to disappear in death, even though it be in the finest of causes and on the most magnificent of stages! ….What I am apprehensive of in death is …besides the suffering, fear of the unknown, of a change of world.” Continue reading
REMEMBRANCE: TEILHARD AND WORLD WAR I
The Ossuary at Verdun where the longest battle of WWI was fought. Teilhard de Chardin served at Verdun for months and was awarded a medal for valor.
November 11, 2018, was the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, known then as The Great War, and was called, “the war to end all wars.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin served in 67 battles of that war, decorated three times for valor. He emerged without physical injury. But two of his younger brothers were killed in the war. Gonzague died in the first month; Olivier in May, 1918. Although Teilhard had already been ordained when the war began, he chose not to serve as a chaplain, which would have made him an officer. Instead he chose to be a stretcher bearer, serving with enlisted Muslims from North Africa. The war was a pivotal time for him. He began the writings that would make him famous, writing feverishly whenever he could, because he didn’t know if he would live or die. Continue reading
New Cantata inspired by Teilhard
A new musical composition inspired by Teilhard de Chardin and incorporating his words was recently performed for the first time in Paris. “Hymn of the Universe” is a cantata composed by Jean-Christophe Rosaz using texts from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. It was presented January 20, 2018, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Paris. Performing were the Youth Choir of Ile de France and the Bel’ Arte Orchestra, directed by Pierre-Louis de Laporte. Marie-Christine Barrault recited the texts, with Raphaëlle Boutillier, soprano, and Guillaume Palissy, baritone. Present at the performance were notable figures in the French Teilhard scene, including François Cheng, Marie Bayon de la Tour, Marie-Jeanne Coutagne, Thierry Magnin, Bertrand Vergely, Julien Lambert, and Remo Vescia. You can listen to the performance at this link.
