The next day after I my mother decease was a Saturday.
I felt I needed to spend some time in a spiritual place.
I went to the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal in
From the Luxemburg metro station I walked across the
As you enter the Chapel yard, you realize that this is a place of exception. The shop on the right hand sells the medals and other religious items. Cards for personal prayer, printed in different languages are presented on the side wall. You can pick one, fill it and deposit in a special box in the chapel.
The chapel has a relatively modern and timeless interior with benches on the ground floor and in mezzanines which are closed by windows. http://www.chapellenotredamedelamedaillemiraculeuse.com/EN/b3_Guided_tour.asp#
What appears immediately is the bright white and blue altar devoted to the Saint Virgin (usually, the main décor is the cross). With the words “Come and pray at this table and the grace will be given to all”. At the end of the Spanish office, the assistance sang beautifully Salve Regina, those soothing words in Latin “…after our exile, wish to turn your eyes on us and recommend us to your Son…”
Soon after the Spanish office, a group of scouts arrived and was given place in front of the chapel and an office in French followed. I heard: “…who is my mother my brother and my sister? These who listen to my words are my mother, my brother and my sister…” and then, later: “…O Lord, remember our brothers who passed away and wait resuscitation. Receive them in your kingdom…”
To me that was all I needed, I prayed for my mother’s soul, for my family who need it and I prayed also for
I was thinking about the French writer Zola who, while on visit to
As I was leaving the chapel, a young Rome woman asked me for money and as soon as I gave her a food ticket (I get them from the employer), another woman came to me and asked me to buy something for her in the nearby store that bridges the du Bac street. She took some pampers for her baby, which I paid almost 40 Euros. I noticed that she was well dressed and didn’t look miserable. Further on my way to the Boulevard Saint Germain, I saw many more beggars in bad need but didn’t help them.
No comments:
Post a Comment