Merry Christmas from Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal

You might remember that I wrote and published a post on Christmas decorations in Bellagio in Las Vegas exactly a year back. It was as if I was covering the event live, much like a reporter. Today, I happened to be at the Notre-Dane Basilica in Montreal, and I was so excited to attend the Mass while admiring the intricate Gothic Revival style architecture that is about 200 years old!The official language of Montréal is French and it was but obvious that even the hour-long prayer was in the language that half of its population speaks (largest-speaking for any city after Paris). Even though I couldn’t get much of it, I paid my respects the best I could. Just so you know, I have deep admiration for the Christian community as my schooling was from the St Paul’s and St Joseph’s.The church is highly decorated in multi-colored settings. The wooden carvings are intricate and there are many religious statues. In spite of being amply spacious and harsh weather outside, the church was jam-packed today. As the melodious voices did their job with finesse, the sounds from Casavant Frères pipe organ dating back to 1891 only added further to the thrilling experience (you can see the instrument in below shot).There is no fee for offering prayer or attending the mass. However, visitors have to pay an entry fees of $6 for adults ($4 for 7-17 years of age; free for below 7) for touring the sanctuary (with or without guide). The access was free today from 1-4pm on account of Christmas Eve.You can also light candles through token donations starting at $1. The collection goes in maintaining the structure.I must say I had a great time enjoying the blessings of God, and I am closing off my 2017 on a high 🙂

*All pictures are from my iPhone 7Plus