Christianity and Islam have no peers and little competition in terms of the grandeur, the opulence, and the majesty of their places of worship, which is inspiring similar efforts from Hinduism, Buddhism, Bahaism, and Judaism in recent times. While I have been fortunate and blessed to have worshipped at Christendom’s trinity of the Holiest Shrines at St.. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, there are several other Shrines all across the Globe that inspire faith, devotion, and pilgrimage in millions, as well as intense curiosity and intrigue in non-Christians!
Besides the ‘suspended Churches’ of METEORA near Kalambaka in GREECE (that we experienced 12 years back), a Monastery+Shrine that has equally intrigued me is that of the ‘BLACK MADONNA’ aka ‘LA MORENETA’ or ST. MARY of MONTSERRAT, in the rugged and uniquely jagged mountain range of MONTSERRAT in SPAIN!
Montserrat is considered one of the special “power spots” of the world. Electromagnetic fields are said to be strong here, and healing powers are attributed to the small dark figure of the ‘Black Madonna’ — if one touches her or the orb she holds in one hand.
The monastery and basilica, kept in impeccable condition, are enclosed by the unusually shaped mountain around it, the color of the buildings blending well into the rocky embrace.
Almost all of Montserrat is built around facilitating the worship of the ‘BLACK MADONNA’ in the Basilica. The Black Madonna was believed to have been carved in Jerusalem at the beginning of the religion. It is a wooden sculpture. It is one of the most famous Black Madonna statues in the world and in 1844 Pope Leo XIII declared the Virgin of Montserrat the patroness of Catalonia.
Montserrat as a religious site traces back to the eighth century, when hermits lived there but not as a formal religious order. Shepherds herded sheep on the nearby hills, and, according to one legend, one day in the late ninth century a bright light shining from a cave convinced them it was a spiritual sign.
The shepherds were terrified, particularly after the phenomena, accompanied by singing, was repeated several times, until a figure said to be Mary appeared and told them to go into the grotto. They did. There the fully carved statue of the Black Madonna was discovered. It is believed that the statue had been hidden in the grotto in 718 to avoid its falling into the hands of Moorish invaders.
After being contacted, Church authorities ordered that the statue be taken to Barcelona. With each step the bearers took, the heavier the half-life-sized statue became. After putting it down several times for a rest, the men realized the image should remain where it was found, on the mountain.
Talk of mysterious happenings on the mountain went from town to town. Pilgrimages followed, as did prayers and requests for favors, and, it is said, miracles occurred. Word of reported healings spread across Spain. However, the statue which sits in today’s basilica is believed by many to have been carved in the 12th century.
Coming face to face and paying obeisance to the ‘Black Madonna’ was indeed a very powerful spiritual and mystical experience for me! Once I paid my obeisance, I endeavored to capture a close up, but in vain, since my camera refused to focus! Once I recovered from my shock, I attributed this to the aura and Cosmic Energy of the ‘BLACK MADONNA’, acknowledged my gratitude and went away in a state of bliss and happiness! The atmosphere created by the unique shaped phallic rocks that will remind Hindus of the ‘SHIVA LINGAS’ is electric and powerful, and will send you into a trance if you engage in transcendental meditation on this mountain or shrine! We consider ourselves very blessed to have made this pilgrimage on our very last day in SPAIN, before returning to the US!
Besides the ‘suspended Churches’ of METEORA near Kalambaka in GREECE (that we experienced 12 years back), a Monastery+Shrine that has equally intrigued me is that of the ‘BLACK MADONNA’ aka ‘LA MORENETA’ or ST. MARY of MONTSERRAT, in the rugged and uniquely jagged mountain range of MONTSERRAT in SPAIN!
Montserrat is considered one of the special “power spots” of the world. Electromagnetic fields are said to be strong here, and healing powers are attributed to the small dark figure of the ‘Black Madonna’ — if one touches her or the orb she holds in one hand.
The monastery and basilica, kept in impeccable condition, are enclosed by the unusually shaped mountain around it, the color of the buildings blending well into the rocky embrace.
The Basilica of Montserrat provides the setting for the opening scene of the recent ‘ORIGINS’ by Dan Brown, and will likely be featured in the film which will follow the book.
The atmosphere created by the unique shaped phallic rocks that make up this mountain range, which will remind Hindus of the ‘SHIVA LINGAS’ is electric and powerful, and will send you into a trance if you engage in transcendental meditation on this mountain or shrine!
Unique rock formation that is a sight to behold in Montserrat!
Believe it or not, this is a self-portrait by a local Catalunian artist drawing multiple portraits! This is rendered so realistically that you are inclined to go and tap him on his shoulder!😊
The section of the Monastery that houses Monks from other monasteries or regular folks who seek seclusion, and must apply for the privilege of living here for upto 3 months at a time!
Bust dedicated to King John D’Arragon who rules Catalunya paying obeisance to the Divine!
The intricate and well appointed sculpture of Jesus and his Apostles which greet visitors to the Shrine!
Exquisite stained glass windows greeted us at every Church in Spain, and this was no exception!
The opulent sanctum sanctorum of the Church of St. Mary of Montserrat in honor of their LE MORENETA, who is revered by pilgrims from near and afar! Manage
Exquisite stained glass windows greeted us at every Church in Spain, and this was no exception!
The ‘Bibliotheque Monsterrat’ or the Library, one of the finest in Catalunya, housing many a valuable book, scriptures, and scrolls! This by the way, is the setting of the opening scene of the book ‘ORIGINS’ by Dan Brown, and will likely be featured in the movie that will follow.
Jesus and his Apostles magnificently rendered by the local artists of Catalunya, for this majestic shrine they hold so dear!
The Sanctum Sanctorum in honor and reverence to the ‘BLACK MADONNA’ aka ST. MARY of MONTSERRAT, affectionately called ‘‘LA MORENETA’ (“The Little Black One”) in Spanish by the locals who adore and worship her with faith and devotion!
Little Gargoyles that are Oriental in their attributes at the entrance to the Monastery!
Another view of the exquisite Benedictine architecture of this Shrine that enchants and overwhelms the senses! A very powerful Spiritual experience indeed!
The mysterious, jagged mountains of MONTSERRAT, in CATALUNYA, SPAIN, which evoke wonder, faith, and admiration of Mother Nature in her surreal incarnation!
The architecture of the Monastery blends itself well with the serrated majesty of the surrounding mountain range of Montserrat!
Multiple ways to get to the mountains of Montserrat including a train, a funicular and this ropeway!
The Benedictine monastery up close and personal on a cold sunny day in the Mountains of Montserrat!
Ornate hand carved Candelabra in marble, at the portal to the Sanctum Sanctorum to the Black Madonna!
A closeup of the Crucifixion beautifully rendered by local Catalonian artists, that lends to the sanctity to this special Shrine, and its Patron Goddess!
We were fortunate to have a bring sunny Saturday morning on a fairly cold day up in the mountains greet us on our pilgrimage to Montserrat, on our very last day in Spain, which we are truly grateful for!
Exquisite frescoes, paintings and sculptures adorn the walls of this Monastery and lends to its aura and character!
Exquisite engravings and sculptures lends to the aura, the elegance and the sanctity of this magical shrine!
An ornate bust of St. John the Baptist adorn the Sanctum Sanctorum.
The guests Quarters astride the monastery against the backdrop of the imposing Mountains!
The intricacy of the Benedictine sculptures that make up the Sanctum Santorum is awe inspiring and mesmerizing!
The Cove for Devotees and Pilgrims to light a candle of their color of choice, for fulfillment of a wish by the Black Madonna!
Those majestic boulders so mystically powerful, they have stayed etched in my mind’s eye!
Montserrat is a haven for joggers, trekkers, mountain climbers, and fitness freaks, many of whom choose to take the scenic route to the apex!🙂
A little Benedictine Abbey carved into the mountain that stands out and makes for a spectacular vignette!
A display of the Scene of the Nativity, to add to the Festive Spirit!
The Funicular that goes right up the mountain for a spectacular, bird’s eye view of Catalunya!
Panoramic perspective against a cold, windy yet bright and sunny morning in Montserrat, Catalunya!
A Panoramic perspective of the Basilica de Montserrat that truly takes your breath away!