Thursday, December 30, 2010
St. Thomas Basilica
We actually went to the Basilica first, before I knew how significant St. Thomas was to India. After finding out more about St. Thomas, I asked Christopher to take me back before I left. This basilica is one of only three in the world to be built on apostles' tombs. It is open to visitors and pilgrims, with Mass being held at specific times of day. The book store and visitors center is quite large, and Michael and I spent a long time and some money there.
Another place to pray
Midway down the hill was this display. It appeared to be plastic and very big!
School wall
The wall was surrounding the school, not part of the school. I thought this was very appropriate for a school.
Prayer Park
We passed this prayer park on the way up to the top of the hill, and I thought it was lovely, so I had Christopher stop so I could take a picture on the way down.
Sunset over Chennai
The sun was setting as we were leaving. It was beautiful, inspirational, and made my eyes tear up. It could almost be appropriate to use "awesome"!
Preparing the ground
They were preparing for Mass. Women were preparing the ground, and the eucharist was brought out. Singing (in Tamil) had started before we left, but the Mass hadn't obviously started, although it may have, and I didn't know.
The church
At the entrance to the church, there was a sign that read, "You are entering holy ground. Please take off your shoes." notated by the scripture in Exodus where God told Moses to take off his shoes. There was a pile of shoes by the door. Inside the church, by the altar, there was a picture supposedly painted by St. Luke, if I remember correctly. It was all so ancient!
Moving on with St. Thomas
The next pictures are from the place where St. Thomas was martyred. It is on the top of a hill overlooking Chennai. Again, a feeling of being at a very holy place came over me.
Inside the church at the hiding place
Michael took pictures of Christopher and I inside the church. I love how beautiful and ornate it is.
Sign fun
Michael saw Christopher standing by this sign, and thought it would make a good picture....My Lord and My Christopher. I liked how the sign was in Tamil and English.
Hiding Place landscape
In the area surrounding the hiding place and the church, there were many "exhibits", for lack of a better word. They were similar to the Stations of the Cross, but not exactly. Many were scenes of the Passion, though. This is right in Chennai, which can be seen in the background.
The Hiding Place
To get to the cave where St. Thomas hid, we went into a small opening, then down some very tight, worn stone steps. At the bottom was the cave. The stone with the cross carved in it was said to have bled. The nuns came every day to wipe it. I am not clear on when it stopped bleeding, but it wasn't bleeding when I was there. In the same cave, there is a spring that St. Thomas found coming out of pure rock when he was about to die from thirst. People bring their water bottles to be filled from it. Had I know, I would have brought one of mine.
St. Thomas in India
I did not know St. Thomas had such a mission in India. There was Christianity in India long before anywhere Western. We did not go to these places in order, but I am going to put them that way here, just make the story flow. All three of them, the Hiding Place, where he was martyred, and the Basilica are in Chennai. I have always loved Doubting Thomas. He gives me consolation when my doubts are great. To be here, I truly felt I was on Holy Ground.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
More wedding pictures
I think I've got it this time! The groom is in the last picture. The pink building in the background of the first picture is where Michael and I were staying.
Or not!!!! The writing isn't quite where I want it. Bummer!
This is my last try. I have been at this far too long. However this turns out is what it will be!
My favorite picture
I saw these women working in the field as we were walking up the road to Ramesh's house outside of Ooty. They looked so beautiful, dressed in their saris and working with wooden tools. I felt a bit rude and very touristy taking pictures, so I tried to be discreet. They saw me anyway and asked Ramesh to have me take their picture. They stood and posed for me. I felt honored and happy. It makes me smile still to look at this picture.
Fish market
The fish market was only open at night. The boats went out every morning, and the women worked the market every night. Michael was surprised when I told him I took pictures. He didn't think I could stand the smell long enough to take a picture! Actually, it smelled worse in the heat of the day. All that was there in the daytime were some fish remains and dogs hanging around. Night on the beach was fascinating. It seemed a bit like a carnival. Kids had glow sticks, rides were set up, lots of booths and lights. Too bad it was too dark for pictures.
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