Carcasonne. I must admit that when Jan said she wanted to include Carcasonne on this trip I assumed it was merely to see the place where Kate Mosse has based her books Labyrinth, Sepulcher, Citadel and The Burning Chambers here. Peersonally I think Harry Potter could have set here, well without the yellow paint on the walls.
In part I was right. But there was a spiritual element to this as well, not least of which the basilica, with it’s gothic styling and amazingly high stained glass windows and magnificent rose windows. Whilst here we were lucky to have a quartet of male voices singing a cappella which really did enhance the feel of the worship space. Having said that, there was a feeling about the place anyway, but I can’t quite put my finger on why. All the trappings of ‘religion’ and not ‘faith’ but it felt right. Worship has been taking place here for centuries, maybe that was it. Unfortunately the main nave was under wraps due to renovation works, but that did’t really matter.
The day didn’t start here however. Just across the Old Bridge is a small chapel, dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health. Now I’m not one to go along with the dedication to Our Lady of…….. and most churches over here are, but to sit in this small chapel and bring to mind those people I know at the moment who are in need of healing and restored health, bringing their names before God was something special. It also turns out that this church is the start of the Pyrenean foothill route of the Camino de Santiago, some of which we will join later in the trip when back in Spain. A beautifully quiet spot for personal prayer.
But what about Carcasonne itself. Simply amazing. The history, the conflict, the power struggles and all in a setting worthy of Harry Potter. The small narrow streets full of shops and hustle and bustle and the most amazing fortress. What a pity its history contains one of the most horrific times of the church – the inquisition, where I learn today that in Carcasonne this was not just against ‘unbelievers’ but against christian believers who wouldn’t bow to the traditional church, the Cathars.
Dear God forgive us all for misunderstanding your love for all, especially when that leads to the persecution of other humans supposedly in your name. We will all answer to you one day.
As fr the yellow paint? Well it’s something to do with a celebration of 20 years as a World Heritage site – so they daub it in paint! Good effect, but I ask you?
Holy Places - a journey of discovery 
Not sure the yellow paint enhances the place!
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I’m sure it doesn’t. Weird.
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