On Sunday I went to Church. I've not attended Easter Sunday services since I was 14 years old; that is 52 years, a very long time indeed. It is an incredible church to step into and walk around in since there are many statues and pieces of art. I took a seat in the back so as not to draw attention to myself, and suddenly felt overwhelmed by its beauty as I looked around. Our Mother was surrounding me. Wherever you looked, there she was in statues from around the world. I did try to get pictures, but I am afraid many of them didn't come out very well. I was feeling so anxious about snapping photos that I just didn't take my time. I know people probably do this all the time in this church as people come from all over for a tour, but somehow it didn't seem to be the right thing to do on Easter Sunday.
This is not a very good picture, but the one without the man sitting there was even worse. I wanted to give you some idea just how huge this church is....and this was the English mass. A Spanish mass and an Asian mass were being held simultaneously in other parts of the church.
This is one of the statues. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get her lovely crown into the photo.
Not sure but I think this was a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
I wish this one hadn't come out so blurry. It's very special. One of the statues is of Our Lady of Fatima, the one in the middle is Spanish, and the third one I am not sure. As I said, I was feeling anxious about snapping these photos so I didn't waste any time. You cannot make it out, but above the statue in the center is a painting of a Kwan Yin like character. I definitely need a better picture of this one.
And the above statues were taken from statues on one side of the church. There are more statues on the other side which I didn't even get to.
And the above statues were taken from statues on one side of the church. There are more statues on the other side which I didn't even get to.
The church, founded in 1893 holds a special treasure, a shrine which shows Angels bringing messages back and forth from Heaven. I didn't get close enough for a picture, but I am thinking of going back. I've been invited to attend a special service on Saturday, a Celebration of Life, and during mass, everyone will receive an individual blessing.
Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee,
All through the night;
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night;
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
Love alone his watch is keeping--
All through the night.
Old Welsh Air
All through the night;
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night;
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,
Love alone his watch is keeping--
All through the night.
Old Welsh Air
It's harder to capture pics, inside, I think... And being nervous about taking them, doesn't help. :-)))) But thank you for taking some, and sharing part of your experience, with your Dear Readers.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art but the size of that church and others like it feel unreachable to me.
ReplyDeleteThx for sharing those lovely pieces Mary.
Wishing you a week of enjoyment in each and every day. (((hugsssssssssssss)))
I don't know how one could not be overwhelmed by the beauty of the Church...I'd love to see it in person. How lovely they invited you to attend another Service...I hope you are able to attend. Blessings transcend all religions and faiths and happen to those who believe in them. I know you are a believer, Sister.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience with us!
xoxoxo
Beautiful statues, blurry or not!
ReplyDeletehow lovely, Mary! How perfect that you went to see a place where the Goddess is still revered. I wish I lived closer so I could attend that church. Can't wait to hear about your upcoming visits.
ReplyDeleteThose statues are truly beautiful, Mary, and I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful Easter!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Chung
This brought back a lot of memories when my Aunt had taken me to this huge church, I mean it was just gigantic! I was young at the time, but Mary I don't think I heard a word that was spoken, I was in such awe of everything. The ceiling, the windows the pews, statues, I mean everything! Now I go to this little old wooden church and it is all wooden right down to the pews with George on Sundays or Wednesday nights with him.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a restful evening my friend!
(((HUGS)))
I know I would feel the same as you - strange to think of taking pics in church. Somehow it doesn't seem right. But I'm glad you got a couple in. I love the statues and the blurry doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good Easter. Nice to be invited back, but I think the best is the good feeling you are left with.
Sending hugs