Easter Monument In Paris

At the highest peak in Paris stands a majestic religious monument called Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Day and night, pilgrims from all over offer their prayers of intercession for the Church, the world, for themselves and their families.

As we stood from the summit of Butte Montmartre also known as Mount of Martyrs, a breathtaking view of the city unfolds.

Monuments stand to tell us a story of the lessons and significance of the past as well as its implications in the present. Some of these monuments such as the Basilique du Sacré Cœur help us connect to our faith and find answers when we are facing hardships. They become a source of inspiration, a symbol of hope and courage. They give us a place to seek refuge when things becomes too unbearable as well as a place to celebrate when blessings abound .

Summer of 2013 was a season of extremes for me and my family. In one moment we were on top of the summit. Everything was all fun, happy and exciting. A few weeks later, I was down flat to the ground. No cushions. No warning. It was a nightmare where I was wide awake.

Perhaps finding the Basilica that Summer was more than a coincidence. Perhaps it was fate preparing me for what’s to come.

The Basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus. That day we lit several candles and offered prayers. Looking back now, our journey to the Basilica as well as our visit to the shrine of Saint Marie Eugenie Milleret, founder of the Religious of the Assumption helped me and my wife take a huge leap of faith together.

Everyone goes through a rough time, strong enough to tear that person apart from within or from one another. Having enough monuments of support system and a faith to cling on to help us surpass the worst. When all things said and done, we were thankful for holding on, for believing in ourselves and one another, for not giving up on love.

Everyday, miracles happen. Some too small that we hardly notice them.

Walking outside the Basilica, I noticed a woman patiently collecting water dripping from the fountain. She believed the fountain serves as a monument that brings forth blessed water. With pure faith, the blessed water can bring about the miracle she is praying for. This woman is just one of the millions who believes in the power and miracles of prayers.

We took one last glance of the beautiful skyline and cityscape of Paris trying to create the best mental photograph of the place, its monuments and everything that we just witnessed.

Being there at that precise moment with my family and having the opportunity to travel Europe were miracles in themselves.

Easter is a celebration of new life. A new life that will remind us that no matter how difficult our circumstances and situations may be, there is always hope. Hope that light will come. Hope that tomorrow things will get better. Hope that our new beginnings will be all that we’d been praying for. Hope that all that needs saving can be saved.

Happy Easter to All.