Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

In search of a new place to have quiet time in a sacred space, I visited the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, in the Old Port of Montreal.

The basilica is truly magnificent: blue and gold, glorious, overwhelming, with painting and sculptures adorning every space. The artwork depicts the lives of Jesus, saints, and contributors to the life of the church. Every time I visit I am in awe at the detail and work that has gone into this building.

It is truly fascinating to me how people visually interpret and manifest their ideas of God, Faith, Worship, Glorification and Devotion. Architecture, interiors, sculpture, painting, artifacts and other art and how it relates to their faith is so intriguing to me.

The sun was beginning to set when I arrived. I chose a pew out of the way of the touring groups, in a brightly coloured sunbeam shining through a stained glass window. After lighting a 4-day prayer candle, I sat undisturbed in meditation for twenty-minutes. Truly, it does not matter to me where I meditate. I lose focus and simply be, the exterior surroundings seem to disappear. It was lovely, though, to allow the sound of the basilica to come and go in my awareness: the creaking floors, the scent of old wood and insence, the gentle murmur of tourists, the soft echos in the vast space.

I am glad I visited this sacred place. I learned that God's love is within me, that I value connection and interaction, and that exteriors are not my first priority. Next time I visit, I'll visit the smaller designated quiet and prayer space of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a glassed-off area of the sanctuary.

Until then, I'll continue my exploration of soft places for prayer, meditation and reflection.

~ in peace, MM

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