Unity in Music

Basilica de Sacre Couer, a church with a vow from 1871, "They vowed to build a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart “as reparation” (i.e. as penance for infidelity and sin) for they held that the misfortunes of France had spiritual rather than political causes" (see note). Miriam sang "Pater Noster" down the long winding damp stone staircase that led to the tower on top. The Lord's Prayer sung in Latin held spiritual weight in that place, almost as if the walls were hungry for the words.

Music is an amazing thing, a gift from our Heavenly Father. Not only does it connect all the sections of a person's brain, spirit, and emotions, but it also has the ability like nothing else to unify a diverse set of people. It really is an amazing phenomenon.

Beautiful things are created in Paris. The rain stopped, the sun came out. Just outside the cathedral came the sound of singing. Walking toward the music there stood a crowd of people surrounding two street singers. People of all nationalities and color stood around. "Stand by Me," was the song. A very dark lady stood beside me lightly singing along. There were French, Norwegian, Australian, African, Indian, young children, and elderly along the semi-circle. A presence was in the air. A happy light presence. Was it the after storm or the unity the song brought? It was a beautiful moment.

Lovely graffiti.

Gargoyle on Basilica enjoying the fog.

View from Basilica

Bohemian Square on Mont Martre Butte.

Eiffel Tower

Our hotel at dawn.

Note from: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/history-and-visit/article/the-origin-of-the-construction-of