Basilica of Montreal

After a nice restful sleep, I enjoy a relaxing coffee and do some of my knitting. Danielle’s socks are almost done! Today Laura and I will not see each other. Guenther is in town with his girl friend Lori. While I don’t have an issue seeing my ex-husband, Lori is uncomfortable with us all meeting. Anyway, Laura will spend the afternoon with them and I am on my own in Montreal!

Since I have my Ubering down pact I set up a ride to the Basilica in Montreal. (One place I know Guenther and Lori won’t be) Any of you who know me, know that I’m a church fanatic. I love to see the architecture, stained glass and décor of these magnificent buildings. Wandering around in these buildings you get a sense of was important back when they were built. This one like the others does not disappoint. Yes, they charge to get in but so do all the others. The thing I don’t like about this one is that it is on-line tickets only. That means that I’m outside (thank goodness for good weather!) getting my ticket. I understand the need to cut down on human interaction with Covid and all but what about people without cell phones and data plans? There are some of them around, my mother for one.

Okay, rant done. The church is beautiful. Part of the outside is undergoing restoration and is blocked off but the inside is not. Construction started in 1824 and finished in 1829. Built in the Gothic style with two large towers that were meant to been seen all over Montreal. Unlike other cathedrals in the world the stained-glass windows here do not portray storied from the bible. Instead, they portray the religious history of Montreal. The pipe organ has 4 keyboards and 7000 pipes. That would sound beautiful! (Thank you, Wikipedia for the info). The wood carvings are very intricate and even extend to the pews. The pulpit is called the Pulpit of Truth and is comprised of Old Testament and New Testament symbolism. It is exquisite up close. The high altar seems to have a celestial glow surrounding it. The pictures just don’t do it justice. As you meander your way through the aisles you can see the different statues and side altars, I came across one painting that caused me to pause and think for a moment. It is of a nun and two children as she is teaching them the ways of the Roman Catholic church. The reason it made me pause is that the children are clearly Native Indians of the area. The thought that crosses my mind is whether these children were willing participants. Their facial expressions lead me to believe not so. It makes me wonder, with all that has been discovered the last couple of years with the children of Native Indians being abused and killed, whether we had a right to impose our beliefs on another race. Just my opinion and you are free to have your own. I take time to pray and thank God for all the blessings in my life. Way too many to list here! I light a candle for the loved ones I have lost. Also, way too many to list here.

It has been an enjoyable afternoon and I head back to take another walk in the park. It is an absolutely beautiful day again!Okumaya devam et