they've stolen the keys to the kingdom, and neither do they enter, nor do they allow anyone to enter

[sophiaserpentia]

The Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal is beautiful. I mean, breathtakingly, heartbreakingly beautiful.

It is dark as night inside. The neo-gothic ceiling is decorated in dark blue with gold stars and large rose windows. The balconies and columns are made of dark, rich wood intricately carved and decorated with gold leaf. If one turns around and peeks up, one can see a 7000-pipe organ over the back balcony. Despite all of this complex ornamentation the eye is drawn forward to the chancel and altar, which stands out of the darkness, shining and bright.

cowgrrl and i first arrived at the Basilica at 11:30 on Sunday -- so a morning Mass was underway. We were able to peek in for a few moments, and could hear the organ and accompanying choir. In those few moments i felt an immense sense of peace, of centeredness; i remembered a few things about religion and worship that, in my cynicism, i had forgotten.

cowgrrl described her reaction as "religion envy," since she was brought up without exposure to devout religious practices. And i began to feel like a refugee again, because this is a place to which i can never return.

I just can't set aside awareness of the many people i've known, including myself, who have been deeply damaged by people acting in the name of god and church. I cannot overlook the role of religious institutions in the stealth genocide.

For me the damage runs deeply enough that i doubt i will be able to sit peacefully in any sort of church ever again, feeling welcome and valued and loved. The closest i came was during my years of involvement with the UU church. And while during those years i encountered a number of people i feel very fondly towards even now, i am just too disillusioned by organized religion these days.

Comments

[brontosproximo.livejournal.com]

Did you get a chance to notice the wooden statuary? The Saint Jude was sculpted by Louis Jobin whom I've studied extensively. There is a piece by Medard Bourgault (whom I've also studied) and in the back is a statue by Benoi Deschenes. I've had the distinct pleasure of being instructed directly by Benoi during a three day class some years ago.

[azaz-al.livejournal.com]

It's just a pretty building.

[x-bluerose-x.livejournal.com]

I comprehend this too well. I grew up not having been raised with religion either, and while I adore deeply profound religious ceremony, me and organized religion are not on speaking terms.

[littlebluenote.livejournal.com]

yes, the basilica is nice, but i don't like the floor. did you check out St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal? If you loved the basilica, you'll LOVE the oratory. I find it a very moving place.