The site is near a beautiful hilltop wooded glade. It includes a small
stone house, filled with shrines, a holy spring/well, and a wall where
the cultic faithful may tuck written prayers into niches (photo).
It's reminiscent of the Western Wall in Jerusalem, or the Shinto
shrine at Asakusa in Tokyo.
Personally, I have trouble "getting" the imbuing of stones and bones
with special God-connecting powers. Nevertheless, the sincerity with
which those who come here offer their fervent prayers gives me pause.
I guess it's a question of whether we just have a tendency toward a
sort of idolatry, or whether a see-able, feel-able, pilgrimage-
suitable setting somehow helps focus a nebulous "spirituality" into
real faith. I don't feel it myself, but I see it in smart, good people
who I love and respect. So, I kind of put it into the category of holy
mystery. Some people really dig it. I like holy simplicity, but I love
my mysticistic friends too.
1 comment:
I agree with you, Paul, about not 'getting' the fascination places like Mary's prayer wall have for others. But then it is good to have something for everyone, just as long as it isn't the same something imposed upon everyone.
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