I was in Paris yesterday

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I was in Paris yesterday

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I was in Paris yesterday - 5/27/2008 6:48:44 AM

gracchietto

Posts: 34
Joined: 11/27/2006
Status: offline

Dear all,

when about a month ago someone told me there was a nice exhibition on ancient Babylon at the Louvre in Paris I thought it'd be a good chance to go back after more than ten years of absence (yes, I live just an hour and a half away by train, talk about laziness...)

After the very interesting but very tiring three hours at the museum I thought I might just as well go and use some of the time I had left before my homebound train and pay a visit to Notre-Dame.

Summer is here and the number of tourists is increasing, but after a short queue at the entrance I found myself a quiet spot out of flashes and the noisy crowds and sat there awestruck as if it were the first time.

I've been to Paris many times in the past, even studied there three weeks in summer when I was just 18, I even attended a TeDeum chanted Mass on a New Year's Eve a few years later, it still felt like the first time.

The size of the cathedral, though not the biggest gothic church, that record goes to Amiens, makes you feel small, very small.

The church was full and yet I was alone.

And then suddenly the tears started flowing.

I have burdened you with my sorrows in the last few months, maybe, just maybe, yesterday was the first day on the way up.

It'll be a looooong way, but a first step was taken.

Love.

Chiara

Post #: 1

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 5/27/2008 8:43:41 AM

Hildegard

Posts: 2362
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Dear Chiara,

I am so happy for you that you were gifted with such moments of grace on holy ground. There is something special about these old cathedrals alive with the prayers and footsteps of thousands who have been there through the centuries. You are all alone yet connected with all who have been there before. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

May the grace of this time in the cathedral stay with you!

Much love,
Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 2

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 5/27/2008 7:32:59 PM

buttington

Posts: 1675
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
Status: offline

Dear Chiara,
Your experience sounds just lovely.

I had a similar one some years ago in an old catherdral here in the UK, but it wasn't the pleasant one I thought it was going to be, as a priest asked me to move from where I was sitting because there was a service in progress, and he wanted me to join it.

Joining a service, in the state I was in, was the last thing I wanted to do, so I had to leave. I still think about that day and how un-Christian the priest's attitude was.

I agree with Edda, (although I am not a church-goer these days) old churches are very special places.

Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 3

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 5/28/2008 12:33:25 PM

gracchietto

Posts: 34
Joined: 11/27/2006
Status: offline

Dear Edda and dear Jude,

your messages are a demonstration if I still needed one, of the great community which makes this forum alive.

You must have realised by now that I am a practising Catholic, with her difficult moments just like everyone else.

I have learnt early into my being part of this community that my beliefs are not always shared, but I feel so much at home that I am not afraid to say what I feel, without fear of being criticized.

I try to respect everyone's beliefs, and I feel respected.

For this I will be forever grateful.

Thank you all, love,

Chiara

Post #: 4

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 6/1/2008 8:01:23 PM

Vicky

Posts: 353
Joined: 6/24/2007
Status: offline

Chiara,
WOW!! Paris!! I'm so jealous. Thanks so much for sharing with us. I've only seen Paris in photos. I would love to go there someday. I am glad that I was able to share your experience to such a wonderful place. Did you see the Eiffel Tower?

Post #: 5

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 6/2/2008 4:56:56 AM

celtic star

Posts: 387
Joined: 5/23/2007
Status: offline

Chiara, it sounds that you have had a special, amazing experience, may it grow and flourish for you. Namste Glenys

Post #: 6

RE: I was in Paris yesterday - 6/13/2008 3:46:41 AM

GraceLil

Posts: 20
Joined: 5/26/2008
Status: offline

What a wonderful experience for you! Thank you for sharing that. I also hope it grows and glows in your heart.

I had a similar one in just a small local Catholic church that was a part of a school. I was having a terrible time and just was drawn there on a walk and although brought up as a Lutheran just sat down near the back with the kids in the front and some of the mothers with infants in the very back of the small church and just felt pure GRACE. I went back several times and this wonderful experience has helped me through so many times.

I am very grateful to God for His showing his love in this special way to people who are struggling.

Post #: 7