Looking heavenward in theBasilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Technically speaking, this isn't a picture of the physical sky, but it is a picture of the metaphorical sky. Cathedrals and basilicas, with their soaring arches and domes, are meant to draw the worshipers' eye skyward toward heaven as a reminder of God. I recently took these photos at the National Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and thought they would be a nice twist for the weekly Skywatch challenge.
Detail of the ceiling partially seen in the first photo*****
ContemplativeAnd, continuing my 100 Strangers series, I give you a photo of a gentleman contemplating things spiritual and praying the rosary in the same basilica. He looked so peaceful in the midst of all the chaos (i.e. a tour group full of 30 somewhat enthusiastic teenagers from a local Catholic school.)
Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08
19 comments:
This IS a creative take on SkyWatch,and I like it. I loved studying these things in college.
I am sorry if I missed it, but I cannot find a linkback to the SkyWatch blog in this post. Please be so kind as to make sure you put a linkback to the blog (http://skyley.blogspot.com) in your SWF posts. There are badges on the site that you canuse as well.
Thank you so much for your paritipation with these beautiful shots!
Louise: Whoops! Meant to do that. I've added a link. Thanks for the shout out!
There must be at least half a dozen other sky watch photos you can take in there! I've been hoping you would get out there and take some photos of the Shrine - I have so many memories in that building.
I was sitting a few rows behind that gentlemen when I raced out those doors during the homily at Baccalaureate Mass to get sick in the garden outside...perhaps drinking an entire pitcher of margaritas the night before wasn't such a good idea after all! ;)
WOW, those are great photo's. Just beautiful
Thanks for sharing
Take care
CB: I have a few dozen photos I took a week ago when I was over there. I'll post more of them next week, so be sure to come back. Also, there's a link to an earlier entry I did about the Shrine last summer (July 2007.) It's a beautiful building; I love going there.
Sara: My pleasure! Thanks for stopping by!
Breathtaking. I love it! So beautiful!
Fantastic capture. I love these shots. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers!
Regina In Pictures
Ingenious, two themes one post and what fabulous imagery.
Great to see an innovatvie take on sky watch
Lovely Skywatch interpretation. The church is beautiful as well. I am looking forward to some quiet contemplation is a few lovely cathedrals in Paris as well.
Oh and Cowbark, I am STILL hungover from my high school graduation night! HA
Fantastic shots of an amazing place!
A nice twist on the Skywatch theme - it's a very beautiful ceiling, for sure.
Thanks for stopping by my blog too...
http://susieofarabia.wordpress.com/
Nice work and a great series. Very creative.
beautiful! I'd love to go there.
Great collection of photos. The detail of the ceiling is amazing.
You are so clever! I love this idea. The shots are beautiful too. I really like the one with the guy praying. I wonder how he managed to do that with all those kids running around!
Wow! I go out for a couple of hours and look at the Skywatch love! Thanks everyone!
Dewdrop: Thank you! Your pictures today were breathtaking.
Migs: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed these.
Babooshka: Thank you. Every once in a while I have a nano-flash of brilliance. This was one of those rare moments!
Mo: Thanks! I'm all about innovation, as long as I don't strain a muscle or kink my neck in the process!
VJ: Merci beaucoup. (Did I get that right?) Can't wait to see your pictures from Paris!
JM: Thank you. The basilica is quite amazing. A national treasure, even.
Susie: Thanks! I had fun with this one!
Dan: Thank you. The 100 Strangers series is proving to be a lot of fun. (And Skywatch is fun, too, when I participate.)
JAL: Thanks. Come on by anytime! The basilica does a great tour, so you get to see even more than just beautiful ceilings!
Marley: Thank you! Isn't that detail amazing? And that's just in a photo. Seeing them in person is 100 times better! If you ever visit D.C., the basilica is definitely a must-see.
Maya: Danke schoen! Every once in a while I'm clever. As for that guy, his ability to concentrate and pray in the midst of our tour was amazing. There were so many other chapels that were quieter, especially down in the crypt, but there he was in the midst of the hubbub.
Your photo is wonderful!
Have a wonderful weekend!.
Grammy: Thanks! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, too!
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