Paris - Our First Full Day - Wed 10/5

The Shrine of St Vincent de Paul

The interior is beautiful and the incorrupt body of the Saint is above the altar. 

The body of St Vincent de Paul is perfectly preserved.

They just happened to be assembling a crane in the lot across the street. (Well, it's something that an engineer would find interesting!)

Part of our group is a three generation group from Texas - Mary, Katie, Emily, and Amy - all wonderful company! Emily is a world class archer and recently set a new international record in a match in Poland!

Only two blocks away is the shrine of St Catherine Laboure. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Catherine at this site and told her to create a medal that we now know as the "Miraculous Medal." That medal is now worn by hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful.

Over the arched entrance is this beautiful statue honoring St Catherine & St Mary

St Catherine Labouré is also an "incorrupt" and is at rest in the main chapel of the shrine.

We had mass in the main chapel with Fr Mitch Pacwa as the celebrant.

The shrine of St Catherine Labouré has a beautiful chapel as its centerpiece

The center of the chapel is the altar with the beautiful representation of the Miraculous Medal

Bob was privileged to be lector at mass

And of course, there is a statue to recognize France's great St Joan de Arc!

We then drove a short distance to the right bank. We walked a short distance and crossed a bridge just behind Notre Dame!

We entered a beautiful park just behind Notre Dame and ate lunch.

One of our new friends, Olivia, has a little difficulty so we help her when we can. Theresa is more the right height, so she assists Olivia often.

The front of Notre Dame can be studied for hours! Each carving is world class and tells something of the faith.

Our guide told us this one rain spout was fashioned after the architect's mother-in-law - probably a joke?

Our guide told us this little figure inspired the character Quasi Moto in Hunchback of Notre Dame 

The relief above the main door depicts the story of  judgement day. Notice the balance in the center and the demon putting his finger on the "Condemned" side of the scales!  

The Saints most important to France are depicted here - St Dennis was beheaded to "kill the faith" and is said to have walked some distance with his head under his arm prior to expiring. This feat helped inspire Christians.

Of course, the centerpiece of the front facade is a magnificent statue of the Blessed Virgin

The third from the left tells a common tale - she knew she should work on scripture but had a "devil" whispering in her ear

Closer view of the devil whispering in here ear!

The story of creation - woman being made from a rib from Adam, then the eating of the forbidden fruit!

A "triptik"depicting in the center, the last days of Mary as she is taken into heaven, body & soul

The inside is cavernous and beautiful!

The centerpiece is, of course, The Blessed Virgin Mary

Just to her right is King Louis XIV offering Mary his crown

Leaving Notre Dame, we passed a sculpture of the torch from the Statue of Liberty

The Eiffel Tower can be seen from much of Paris

And of course, a statue of St Joan of Arc

 

We then took a boat ride on the Siene! I went on the top deck and all the way aft (back end). I met two Aussies, a brother & sister who were sitting way in the back so they wouldn't get caught eating shrimp and drinking beer. They were wonderful! "How about a beer, mate?"

The views from the river are often unique!

You must always be alert to what's behind you!

The buildings often appear different from the water

The walk along the river offers some opportunities for people watching. In the evening, it is not unusual for lovers to stroll the Siene.

Many neat boats are moored along the river

Notre Dame from the river looks even more imposing!

The river view gives some options to see some of the bridge sights up close

Probably the best view of the Eiffel Tower is from the river

Back on the bus, we passed this rail station with a rather unique clock!

We drove to Montmarte to visit Sacre Coeur - Sacred Heart

The statues of St Louis and St Joan of Arc guard the basilica

A young man was holding a concert on the steps - he was actually pretty good!

Sacred Heart of Jesus in relief over the door

Interior of Sacre Couer - they don't allow photography so I was able to only sneak one shot inside

We walked a short distance from Sacre Couer to the village of Montmarte with winding streets and many shops

In the center of town is the artists square where many street booths offer some good art or a sketch/caricature to order

Monmarte is the birthplace of the term Bistro - turns out (according to our guide) that some Russians were here and in a hurry so they told the shop keepers "bistro, bistro" - "hurry, hurry"

Lots of confectioners sell sweets to keep you happy!

If your tastes run more to crepes, they can also "scratch that itch"

The small church of St Peter was nearby and open. This statue is a replica of the one in St peter's in Rome (only the foot is not nearly as worn) 

Some very odd stained glass windows however

Just outside the church is a warmed wine shop with some very interesting copper appliances

Our restaurant was unique and excellent

We have a great group of folks!

Bill & Kathleen - Bill is retired Marine aviator

A fun group!