Hello All! We headed to Bourges today in the Berry Region of France. We stopped to see the palace of Jacques Coeur who brought commerce to the town of Bourges. There is a wonderful Cathedral where we celebrated Mass in a small side chapel. The architecture has been amazing! We had a nice lunch in Bourges, which is a very quaint town, and then we were off to the world famous Chartres.
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres is nestled in a valley in the Beuce Region and sits as the highest building in the town. It was originally built in the 12th Century and had to be rebuilt 5 times after being destroyed over and over again during the Revolution. Chartres is considered one of the finest examples in all of France of the Gothic style of architecture. One of the most complete collections of medievel stained glass windows has been spared and is here in Chartres. From the original 186 stained glass windows of the church, 152 have survived the religious wars of the
16th century.
It was explained to me that the cathedrals were designed the way they were to somehow appear as if you have entered heaven when you go in them. The ceilings are so tall that the light does not illuminate them leaving an open feeling. The stained glass is made to seem like the brilliant colors of heaven and not the hum drum world we live in. The catechism of the church was "illustrated" in the architecture and the stained glass as this was the only means to educate the parishioners when they could not read. Pictures were used to show the different teachings of the church. It is all very interesting!
We will be celebrating Mass in the crypt below the Cathedral tomorrow morning and then heading to Paris after lunch.
Blessings and peace to you on this Ash Wednesday!
http://picasaweb.google.com/grtwhthype69/Day7BourgesAndChartres
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres is nestled in a valley in the Beuce Region and sits as the highest building in the town. It was originally built in the 12th Century and had to be rebuilt 5 times after being destroyed over and over again during the Revolution. Chartres is considered one of the finest examples in all of France of the Gothic style of architecture. One of the most complete collections of medievel stained glass windows has been spared and is here in Chartres. From the original 186 stained glass windows of the church, 152 have survived the religious wars of the
16th century.
It was explained to me that the cathedrals were designed the way they were to somehow appear as if you have entered heaven when you go in them. The ceilings are so tall that the light does not illuminate them leaving an open feeling. The stained glass is made to seem like the brilliant colors of heaven and not the hum drum world we live in. The catechism of the church was "illustrated" in the architecture and the stained glass as this was the only means to educate the parishioners when they could not read. Pictures were used to show the different teachings of the church. It is all very interesting!
We will be celebrating Mass in the crypt below the Cathedral tomorrow morning and then heading to Paris after lunch.
Blessings and peace to you on this Ash Wednesday!
http://picasaweb.google.com/grtwhthype69/Day7BourgesAndChartres
1 comment:
Hey there hope this note finds your heart full off good memories. The trip is a great one I hope. Can't wait to hear all about it and see lots of great slide shows when you get back. Missing you a great deal. Thoughts and prayers are with you every day. Love ya Anna
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