Monday, September 16, 2013

Monday mornings with Mary - a world in my house



memories that I carry with me forever ...

the smell of wet rock,
the sound of the rushing waters,
the drops falling from above
the gentleness of the colour that is Lourdes

and then,

the busyness of Paris,
climbing the many steps up the Sacre Couer de Montmartre
the soothing coolness inside
and then as I turn the corner, my heart feels as though
someone opened a stable door,
in front of me the spectacular
gold statue of Mary in
an aura that defies explanation, religion or faith

On the left is the Madonne from the Basilica at Montmartre and on the right
is the Vierge de Paris or Notre Dame de Paris


Remembering the massive Notre Dame Cathedral
with its thronging masses, people walking as though they
are in a shopping mall and my desperation
to have some time alone in a quiet space
to hear her whispers that called me to visit once again



another trip another time
travelling to the top of the hill which is Marseilles
miles away you can see the magnificent statue
of Notre Dame de Marseilles on the spire
of La Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde



a house of memories
keeping me company
where I work and play
and remember



Another Monday morning with Mary
with Rebecca and friends

Please join in and visit



blessings



10 comments:

  1. You have recaptured for me my visit to Lourdes. There was a special quality that surrounded the entire area. I brought water back and placed some in the creams I make. I also loved your description of Notre Dame. Such a beautiful sacred place. I love the pictures you took of Mary sculptures. Thank you for sharing these.

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  2. interesting sharing; have a nice Monday

    much love...

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  3. so lovely to see, I have never been to Lourdes but have been lucky enough to see the glorious Notre Dame!
    Hav a beautiful week!

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  4. A beautiful post full of beautiful memories. I enjoy hearing about your travels.
    Have a great day.
    Always, Queenie

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  5. I was inside Sacre le Couer and looked for Mary. I don't know how I missed her. I found a St. Mary statue and prayed to her. Thank you for showing me what I miseed. Beautiful share.

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  6. ah, what beauty you've shared...in your images and words!

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  7. Memories (both good and bad) help to shape our journey...

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  8. Such a life you lead Hettienne,
    I just love how you've made a holy house
    in your home. ♥ ♥
    And yes I did read that book :)
    it was a good one!

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  9. dear hettienne,
    i love your pilgrim heart and the generous way you infuse life with memories from each holy journey you take. it is always a blessing to be near you.
    xo

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  10. Dear Hettienne, I too remember that feeling of seeking quiet, a moment of solemn connection that was so hard to find. Chartes and Notre Dame were so filled with viewers that actually experiencing the holiness was difficult. Sacre Coeur was another experience altogether. A Mass was being said when I entered. Respect was elicited from even the most thoughtless soul who might enter. The Mass at the Abbey at Solemnes was another quiet and enriching experience. Where there is the Mass, there is solemn respect.

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