With Holy Week coming to end, and Easter Day approaching, I thought I’d share with you some inspiration from my travels . . .

A quietly elegant, framed crucifix from a Paris flea market

A quietly elegant, framed crucifix from a Paris flea market

The spectacular candleabra in a Paris church

The spectacular candleabra in a Paris church

Side aisle, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Paris

Side aisle, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Paris

The alter, as seen from the main aisle of the nave

A young couple prays quietly together in the alter to the Blessed Mother.

The agony in the garden, depicted in stained glass.

The agony in the garden, depicted in stained glass, cathedral of Bourges, France.  The docent at this cathedral noted that many academic papers have been written about the stained-glass windows of this stunning church.  It’s worth taking your time and really exploring this medieval treasure.

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The front facade of the cathedral at Bourges, France. A stunning architectural achievement, completed predominantly by anonymous artisans who made it their life’s work to create the most perfect thing they could, for love of God.

 

The Pieta, depicted in stained glass

The Pieta, depicted in stained glass, I believe this on is from St. Sulpice in Paris, but, sadly, I didn’t take good enough notes.  I’m guessing St. Sulpice because of the general deterioration of the interior space.  This once-great church has been allowed to fall sadly into disrepair – windows missing, dirt and mold.  But the underlying beauty remains.

Along the old shipping lanes of northern France, these huge crucifixes dot the clip-top shoreline - watching over seamen as they depart, and greeting them home as they return.

Along the old shipping lanes of northern France, these haunting crucifixes dot the clip-top shoreline – watching over seamen as they depart, and greeting them home as they return.

The chapel where St. Bernadette is laid to rest.

The chapel where St. Bernadette is laid to rest in Nevers, France.  The sublime peace and beauty of this place is impossible to describe.

Happy Easter!

Virginia