(posted by ange re: march 2)
While out and about playing photographers again today, Dave and I stopped at church. Well, at first we stopped at a church to take photos. It is a beautiful church, as you can see. It is a landmark or reference of sorts, as you can see the bell tower from anywhere in the town square area. The Parish Church of Albufeira was built between 1782 – 1800, and was fully restored in 1993. The Bell Tower dates to 1869, with the bell being 72 stairs up a winding staircase (the Bell Tower Grind??). You can hear the bell toll today. Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint and title holder of the parish. We, or should I say Dave, took some beautiful photos of the building and the bell tower and then carried on our picture snapping journey.
While out and about playing photographers again today, Dave and I stopped at church. Well, at first we stopped at a church to take photos. It is a beautiful church, as you can see. It is a landmark or reference of sorts, as you can see the bell tower from anywhere in the town square area. The Parish Church of Albufeira was built between 1782 – 1800, and was fully restored in 1993. The Bell Tower dates to 1869, with the bell being 72 stairs up a winding staircase (the Bell Tower Grind??). You can hear the bell toll today. Immaculate Conception is the Patron Saint and title holder of the parish. We, or should I say Dave, took some beautiful photos of the building and the bell tower and then carried on our picture snapping journey.
Later, as we passed the Parish Church of Albufeira on our way home, the church doors were open. We decided to check it out. I was struck by my experience as I entered the church. I immediately felt I could not take pictures (although I didn’t mind that Dave did). Candles for lighting were on either side and I was immediately compelled to light one. I felt that I could not enter without lighting one. Now, you don’t actually light a candle. You put a coin in a machine and a mechanical candle lights up. I put in my coin and lit a candle for my nana.
As Dave wandered, taking photos, I walked the length of the church, admiring its beauty. I then sat on a pew and said a prayer. Now, I do not consider myself a religious person. Spiritual, yes. Religious, no. I am a Catholic on paper only. In fact, this is the first time I had been in a Catholic (or any religion for that matter) church for anything other than a wedding or a funeral. But something came over me. I prayed for my own health and well being and for the care of those I hold dear. I don’t know exactly who I was praying to, but the experience was overwhelming. As I was leaving, I dipped my fingers in what I believe was the Holy water. Then of course I didn’t know what to do with it. So I rubbed it on my neck (hopefully this is not a major faux pas) and walked out into the fresh air. Feeling a tear, I put on my sunglasses and breathed deeply, wondering at what had just happened.
As Dave wandered, taking photos, I walked the length of the church, admiring its beauty. I then sat on a pew and said a prayer. Now, I do not consider myself a religious person. Spiritual, yes. Religious, no. I am a Catholic on paper only. In fact, this is the first time I had been in a Catholic (or any religion for that matter) church for anything other than a wedding or a funeral. But something came over me. I prayed for my own health and well being and for the care of those I hold dear. I don’t know exactly who I was praying to, but the experience was overwhelming. As I was leaving, I dipped my fingers in what I believe was the Holy water. Then of course I didn’t know what to do with it. So I rubbed it on my neck (hopefully this is not a major faux pas) and walked out into the fresh air. Feeling a tear, I put on my sunglasses and breathed deeply, wondering at what had just happened.
2 comments:
Thank you for sharing...I loved reading it...
ange, though we cannot explain it, the experience of being close to God, when we need him, is wonderful. I believe one does not have to have a "religion" to experience this, just a belief the He is there, for us, in a time of need. Thanks for sharing this with all of those who read your daily blog, and are experiencing portugal through your writing and pictures. We are all on the trip with you. Love....dad
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