Walking to Morning Prayer at the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel
My Catholic upbring filters into my appreciation for this holy service.
My sensitive nature loving self is grateful for the opportunity to be here with the beauty of the peaceful morning on the beach
I made a short recording of the service which is located a few pictures into this post
Bruce and I got up before sunrise. We dressed then walked to the abbey in the quiet darkness. I couldn’t help myself – I had to stop and photograph the beach as the new day began began
The abbey
The pictures are pretty but nothing like the experience
French Boy Scouts wait, as we do, to be let inside the abbey. I wonder if this is a special occurrence for them or if they regularly attend morning prayer. Girl Scouts also attended.
While waiting I walk around a bit – about 350 stairs to get up here
The program
After the service the morning sun comes through the stained glass above the alter. We disperse in hushed tones. One doesn’t have to be religious to be grateful for a new day!
A boy scout looks out over the water’s edge.
Coming out of the abbey, after morning prayer, it is perfect to walk into the sunrise over the sea
” It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” Marcus Aurelius
A different perspective
After climbing the 350 or so steps up to the abbey for morning prayer, we climb down to meet our guide who will take us back up all the stairs
We walk around different parts of the abbey from the early morning prayer service. The installation of the Benedictine monks took place in 966, which is marked as the founding year of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey.
The huge fireplaces in this great room remind me of Harry Potter
We leave Mont-Saint-Michel – what an experience…
Villedieu-les-Poêles – the colors get my attention as we walk around a bit
I leave my bookmark (Mountain Mutts- Joy’s Tale) as well as that of a fellow writer
We are in the region of Normandy now for tomorrow’s tour
The Bayeux Cathedral was consecrated on 14 July 1077 in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy
Our hotel room in Bayeux
Such a practical way to conserve energy
Beautiful color and shaped flowers
Inside the Bayeux Cathedral
This colorful giant shoe caught my attention
The 1077 cathedral and then the modern
We saw the famous tapestry
I’ve been to all of these cities!
Exhausted and hungry – a simple dinner in our room
I’ve walked more steps before
BUT 54 flights of stairs!
Tomorrow’s schedule
How does morning prayer at the abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel come across on the blog? I hope it gives you an idea of the experiance. Are you religious? Spiritual? A combination? Agnostic? Atheist? Undefined?
D-Day memorials are next…
“Walks in nature are hugs for my soul.” Julie A R Stephens
How amazingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing. ❤️🙏
Thank you for reading and posting Claudia.
It was amazing and picturesque.
Wow! Really interesting, Julie. I continue to enjoy your pictures and good commentary.
Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your interest in coming along on the journey and posting.