Something about Mary

The Gothic Exoskeleton of Notre Dame (literally 'Our Lady'), the famous church dedicated to Mary.  No Joe Montana or Hunchback were found.

After our morning at the Louvre, we weaved through the charming streets of Paris and onto the small island that sits in the river and is home to Notre Dame.  Despite last season's performance, I believe Charlie Weis is building... um... WRONG NOTRE DAME!  This Notre Dame is the ORIGINAL -- a church built just steps from the birthplace of Paris.  Directly translated as 'Our Lady,' Notre Dame has been a pilgrimage site for Christians (and football fans) since the Middle Ages.

The high ceilings allow the countless stained glass windows to illuminate the chapel.

Inside, detail could be found in all corners, with vivid paintings and lifelike sculptures depicting all aspects of the life of Christ, as well as much about the star of the show - Mary.  Standing in front of the chapel are 28 statues representing the different saints (although they were mistaken by locals in the 1800's for French Kings, and all decapited!  They have since reattached their heads.)  After seeing St. Peter's in Rome as well as other churches scattered around Sicily, I am starting to get a better appreciation of their differences as well as the similar role they played in all Medieval communities.  This church has amazing acoustics as well as stained glass, and does not have as overpowering of alters as other church's.  The picture below is from behind the sculpture of Mary - I found the lifelike nature of her hands and posture to be very powerful.

Mary reaching out to the heavens.

As we departed the church, we ran into two kids who were outside feeding the birds - having the time of their life.  I think this is the type of joy that God wants us to have in life.

Kids and Birds... I don't know who was having more fun!

~ J. Twice