Celebrating Francis of Assisi and Brazilian Natural Wonders

On the fête de Saint François d'Assise (Oct. 4th), the community of Third Order Franciscan friars at Notre-Dame de la Drèche invited us to attend a special mass, followed by a reception, a tour of their museum, church and bell tower, topped off by a delicious several-course lunch! 

Interior of the church

At reception (left to right): Rebecca, Gabe, Melanie, Kerstin, Debbie

Tim Perkins (Exec Dir of SFU France) a.k.a. Crocodile Dundee!

The museum was very interesting -- a cabinet of curiosities containing exotic creatures collected by Franciscan friars who had gone on mission into Brazil's rain forest in the 19th-20th centuries. Apparently, these exotic animals were presented to the friars as presents.  Imagine trying to bring such specimens back on an airplane these days?

Ed & the wild cats!

An etymologist's dream...my nightmare! 

More exotic creatures in the museum