Page 121 - March On! God will Provide by Brother Aubert

100 MISSION IN ENGLAND
from Father Macdonald, the go-between in Bruges, but
that this was insufficient even to buy their outfits. He
had asked for 300 francs to pay for transportation. "It
is understood that the 750 francs will be deducted from
the Brothers' salaries, but Father Macdonald has agreed
to pay in your place the sum of twelve pounds for travel
expenses."
On the morning of April 27th, Father Swinkels van
Woensel, a Redemptorist, said the community Mass.
As this was a very special occasion, he addressed the
Brothers about to depart, speaking of their first mission,
pointing out the difficulties that they would meer, and
encouraging them to put their uust in God. In Brother
Ryken's opinion the Redemptorist had delivered "a
truiy touching address."it
Immediately after Mass, the departing Brothers hur-
ried through breakfast. Then they wrapped themselves
in their greatcoats, especially designed by a local tailor,
fitted on what they regarded as srrange-looking hats,
picked up their heavy bags, and smiled their bravest as
the community applauded.
"We theu left," reported Brother Ryken, "by the first
train for Ostend, where the boat was waiting. A very
short time afrer we had embarked, the boat slowly left
the port amidst a great deal of noise. We waved. our
handkerchiefs to wish a last good-bye to the rwo Brothers
and the English priest who had accompanied us ro the
quay."
Brother Ignatius has supplied some details. "The fol-
lowing day they reached Manchester. Here they called
at St. Augustine's Church where the Rev. Mr. Benoit was
stationed. He was a young priest from Bruges.12 There
*
The pioneering Redemptorists- had recently abandoned.
Falmouth, their first mission in England, to make a fresh
start in Clapham, London.