Happy Easter: From Tragedy to Hope

 As we celebrate Easter this weekend, we reflect on the rising of Christ from his crucifixion and on the heartbreaking and shocking fire that engulfed the Cathedral de Notre Dame de Paris last Monday in Paris, France. As we all watched in horror the fire that burnt the roof of the cathedral, there was good news that emerged 12 hours later that the exterior foundation of the cathedral and the two north towers were saved by the firefighters. The excellent strategy and courage of the firefighters saved the total destruction of the cathedral which is the heart and soul of France and the French people. The first photos that emerged from the fire showed the main altar with its golden cross of Jesus, the Pieta with the Virgin Mary and the surrounding angels are all intact. Even the famous Rose stained windows are all intact. The fire fighter pastor was able to save the relics especially the crown of thorns, some priceless works of arts and the blessed sacraments. One of the miracles is that the copper rooster, symbol of France that was on the tip of the spire that burnt, was recovered and found to be slightly damaged. The rooster had the relics of St. Denis, St Genevieve and a thorn from the crown of thorns inside, placed to protect Paris. It was touching to see that there were french people praying on the streets of Paris for the Notre Dame. The hope here is that with collective effort, the cathedral will be rebuilt. We thank God, Mother Mary and the firefighters for saving the Notre Dame. We witness a miracle of the cross still standing and from this ruin, a united effort to rebuild which is truly a message of Easter. 

Happy Easter! 

Photos 2 to 6  from Reuters. 

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Pray For Paris, Pray For The World

 I can't believe that we have come to this. Another terrorist attack in Paris, France that have claimed over 129 lives and hundreds more injured. All of the this violence for what? Just to prove that your beliefs are better than anyone else? Is it worth it? We want to tell you that it is not worth it, whatever you are fighting for. It is not worth it to kill innocent people, to terrorise the world just so that we will believe you. Not at all. Never. 

The recent terror attack in Paris is heartbreaking. The victims and the French people are in my thoughts and prayers. As you know, Paris is one of my favourite cities in Europe besides London. Paris has become my city for vacation and for refuge from my busy life here in Toronto. I am thankful that Paris always welcome people from all over the world to share its beauty, arts, culture, elegance, style and even delicious french food and pastries to the rest of the World. We will not be defeated. We are in solidarity with the French people and other countries targeted by this evil enemy.

 Peace does not come free. Let us pray together for Paris, pray for Beirut and pray for the rest of the World. We pray that our leaders in government will do the right thing to protect our freedoms, their citizens and defeat the enemy soon. We pray that those lost among the enemy will see the light. We pray that we will all have love and peace in the World. 

 

 

 

St Michael Archangel at the Boulevard St Michel.

 

Lighting a candle in the Pieta inside the L'Eglise Saint Sulpice.

 

We will be victorious. 

After a period of mourning, the Eiffel Tour lights up proudly. 

Not defeated but defiant. 

(Photo credit: @I_am_un_chat)

 

There is hope for peace. 

Never, never, never give up!

- Winston Churchill

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Exploring Jardin Des Plantes

 Pardon me in posting this so late in the Season. I visited the spectacular Jardin Des Plantes, located in the Left Bank of Paris, last October 2014. It was my first visit there. I really made sure that I will visit this park that was established since 1635 since it also have four Museums in its grounds under the Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle. These museums are the Galerie D'Evolution, Anatomy and Paleontology, Botanical Garden and Mineralogy and a little zoo. These were the Museums that I recommended on my previous post, 10 Things Not To Do In Paris. But visiting the Jardin Des Plantes is definitely worth a visit, not just strolling along the beautiful parks with its spectacular and lush trees, plants and flowers but also to visit all of the aforementioned museums. On your next visit to Paris, take the time to stop by here whether you visit in the spring or fall season, it is worth it! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man,
then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you,
for Paris is a moveable feast.
- Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

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A Visit To Sainte-Chapelle

In the spirit of Holy Week this week, I am sharing here my visit to Sainte-Chapelle right in the heart of Paris in the Ile de la Cite and located near the famous Notre Dame de Paris. The chapel is not easy to find as it now located inside the courtyard of the Palais de Justice. This chapel was built in 1248 by King Louis IX of France who later became Saint Louis. The King built this royal chapel to house the passion relics of Jesus, particularly the Crown Of Thorns which he obtained from Baldwin II of Constantinople.  The Chapel was built in the Gothic style with two floors, one on top of the other. The lower floor is for his subjects while the upper flower is for the King and his royal family to worship and prayer sessions. There used to be a Capetian Palace beside the Chapel that had private access to the upper floor that allowed the King to privately worship. The amazing part of the chapel are the original stained glass windows all built since the 13th Century. Most of the stained glass windows are located on the Upper floor, built with high ceilings. So the visitors tend to look up all the way up to heaven and to God. The Sainte-Chapelle is worth a visit as it is one of an kind and so historical.

 

 

 

 

 I learnt so many things from this visit. The Crown of Thorns were stored on this special golden altar surrounded by Angels. The Crown of Thorns was the original crown of thorns of Jesus during his crucifixion. It is now stored at the Notre Dame de Paris where it is on display every Friday. For this Good Friday, which commemorates the death of Jesus, for sure the Crown of Thorns will be on display for the veneration of pilgrims. 

 

 

 

 

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Weekend In Saint Germain-des-Pres

 One of my favourite things to do is to attend mass in French, especially in Paris. There is this mix of solemnity, tradition, festive and so classical way they celebrate mass there. Maybe because most of the churches in Paris are old, historical and  traditional that makes it so special. One of the Churches I discovered was the L'Eglise Saint Germain Des Pres located right at Boulevard Saint Germain and Rue Bonaparte in the Left Bank. The Church is an active Parish. I was lucky enough to attend Sunday mass there. The Church was built as a Benedictine Abbey in 543. Last December 2014, the Church celebrated its 1000 millennium. No wonder inside it is dark and old with Gothic ceilings and pillars.  I thought that the ceilings and pillars might need some cleaning. But then, it might be hard to clean the place since it is an active parish where Sunday mass were packed and many activities are held in there. But it's dark interior adds character to the Church since it is so old. Add some angelic choirs singing and the procession of the holy candles carried by sacristans which adds a spiritual solemnity to the whole experience. Then afterwards, just cross the street and have lunch at the famous Les Deux Magots then go shopping at the Louis Vuitton boutique right beside it. Paris always fascinate as there are always places to discover. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us participate in Earth Hour tonight.
Turn off power tonight from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

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