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The sacred heart

Another visit to a magnificent church today, this time the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre.  Once again, we walked around the inside while mass was being celebrated with a faithful few in a side chapel.  I wanted to take a photo of the votive candles, but photography was not allowed, so I was a good girl and followed the rules.  For 10 euros you can light a candle so large it would probably burn all day.

There is something beautifully symbolic about the lighting of a candle, especially in a dark church.  Light in darkness; smoke rising to heaven; the fragility of the small flame representing one human being's hopes, desires, memories, griefs.  

Ten euros does seem a bit steep though...


Comments

  1. Amanda24 March 2014 at 14:11

    So amazing in there, with the stained glass. The idea of paying for a candle that burns while you are not there is intriguing. What is the rationale? While the candle burns, is your loved one remembered/blessed ? Is it a form of remote prayer? Or just a way of remembering them before God? Or so you can say, 'I lit a candle for you' and feel you have shown love and care?

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