The card

[faerieevaH]

I had a somewhat strange experience today. Inspired by many of you, I had decided to make some time today to go to church for a rosary and adoration. Some quiet time for myself and God so to speak, before the Eucharist tomorow.

So... I went to the Cathedral, entered as usual through the side door and found myself amazed to see that the glass doors inside were not open as they always are, but closed, save for a narrow gate and a ticket place.
My parrish is the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp. It's a magnificent monument, high gothic style, works of Rubens, woodwork and a preaching pew (hope that's the word) that is indescribable. It's one of the main tourist atractions of the city, if not from the country, and tourists are allowed in for something of under two dollars. This money goes to the maintenance and the security of the Cathedral, as well as to the leaflets, etc.

Still... I found myself dumbfounded with the idea of paying to get into my parrish church to pray. So I went to the ticketboot and said 'excuse me, but this is my parrish. I just came in to pray'. They asked me if I had a card. I didn't know what they talked about, so they took me aside and gave me a little card.

It simply says in Dutch: 'The Cathedral. Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerpen. Free entry for prayer'. It's a simple laminated card, that you have to show and then you can always just go in. On one hand, it made me feel good. Something like: I'm not a tourist here. I love the art, etc. But I'm here to be in the presence of God. On the other hand, I feel it rather silly to need the card to go in, as if God has security guards that want to see my ID.

 

[thereselittleflower]

Well, I can see the dilema . . if it is a tourist attraction, then how do the control this and still let those with legitimate business inside . .

I have trouble with how the Grotto is handled in our area . . in the City of Roses . .

There is a lower portion, but most is above . .beautiful Gardens, chapels to pray in, various stations, etc . . I have never been to the top . . well, there is a very old elevator that takes you way up to the top . . but they charge for you to ride it . . they say that it is vrey expensive to maintain . . so the charge for the elevator ride . .


But there is a monestary on the upper level that is accessable by road on the other side, and you can walk to the uppoer level gardens from there . .but when I mentioned doing that, they said, oh no . . you can do that, but you still have to pay . .

I have a problem with being denied access to these gardens to pray unless I pay . . .




Peace in Him!

 

[Christy4Christ]

Maybe they need more money =X

 

[ej]

It's a shame that a place would have to do that.
But I guess it became a necessity for the parish to do it.

 

[faerieevaH]

WHat really is a shame is this though : during mass, the cathedral is closed for tourists. Of course the first time I went in there, I was stopped. *L* Probably because my friend Maria had a backpack in her hand since she had just come from another activity and didn't want to be late for mass. Anyhow, we said we came for mass, and we could just go in.

But each sunday, I find a few tourists who come in during mass anyway, and walk around, looking at the paintings, chattering, without much respect for the service going on. Luckily, the church attendants try to quickly catch up with them and lead them away.
I wouldn't even think of walking in and admiring any kind of religious building while organised worship was going on. And if I did, I would make sure not to disturb the people.
Midnight mass was a complete disaster. They really need to organise that better next year. It's such an utter disrespect though. People just kept comming in and going out throughout the entire service.