I think it's the Catholic upbringing in me, I absolutely LOVE churches, temples or any religious artifacts! So any travel adventures bring opportunities for visiting churches and cathedrals. On our last holiday to New Caledonia, I snapped these images.
Often our religious beliefs are set in our childhood, and after being persecuted by our local church for being a divorced mother, our mother told us that you did not need to go to church to be a good person. She told us that our body was the Temple of the Lord, take care to keep it clean. It was good advice!
G. K Chesterton wrote: "Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car."
Still though, I like to visit these places. I find them compellingly beautiful, calming, peaceful places when they are empty, clean and pure. There seems to be an essence reflected in these walls - perhaps all those souls having gathered there to pray, over time, collectively, and finding their own solace and peace within.
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| Details on the stone wall of the stunningly beautiful Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Noumea. |
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| Nature adds Value! |
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| High on a hill, the cathedral towers over the city of Noumea, building started in 1888. |
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| Built to accommodate 1000 people, late-comers stand at the entrance. |
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| Beautiful stained glass windows throw colourful light into a gloomy cavernous interior. |
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| Under Sunny Skies |
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| Monument of a French soldier? |
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| Such architectural details flanking the cathedral.... |
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| The Blessed Virgin Mary! |
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Another stunning stained glass window
What amazes me, is that much of all these wondrous pieces of architecture had to be shipped all the way from Mother France!
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| An informal outdoor waiting room... |
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| It is thrilling to imagine how these massive monoliths were built back in the day, when there were possibly no light-frame aluminium ladders, concrete mixers and a handy hardware store just down the road!! |
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| Stumbling across another meeting house in Mont Dore... |
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| The gated church invites you in only on Sundays! |
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| That clear blue Pacific Island sky... |
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| For Whom the Bell Tolls....? |
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| Another church on the way to La Foa, sitting in the shimmering sun |
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| Mary pronounces that this is indeed, yet another Catholic stronghold! |
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| Simple and magnificent. Simply magnificent! |
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| Reminiscent of the Rising Sun! |
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| The swallows (on ceiling) joyfully dive-bombed us, showing off their aeronautical acrobatics! |
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| These cool interior churches are welcome respite from the heat. |
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| The Catholic School next door... Notre Dame. |
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| Lifou Island churches going to the dogs....! |
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| The carving welcomes patrons to the church car park |
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| Humble interior. |
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| Another simple, stunning stain-glass window. |
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| I love this view from the church! |
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| Beautiful! |
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| Another church on Lifou, huddled close to the beach. |
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| Protestant Church resembling a castle! |
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| Passing sultry sky-line. |
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| The side entrance and bell-pull. |
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| A window reflected in a window... |
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| Windows in windows, and hidden self portrait. |
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| Another humble interior, no less appealing... |
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| Woven mats for sitting on the cool tiled floor. |
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| Something about these colours remind me of Greece...! |
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| It appears as if the church will tumble into the sea beyond... |
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| Strolling to church along the beach.... |
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| Standing below the statue of Mary, looking out over Noumea harbor... |
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| Majestic Mary |
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The Sacred Heart.
Remember, whatever your faith, take heed: your body is your temple, take care what you put in it and how you care for it!
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