Dana lives in Seattle, and Tracie lives in Germany. We are businesswomen, writers and humorists. We write about life, dating, and today's modern women.
Hustle Bustle Peace
Hustle Bustle Peace
I was hustling, my mind bustling as I hurried home from taking care of some thing or other yesterday early evening. I was certain that the minute I opened my apartment door, kicked off my shoes, shed my coat, ran down the steps to my office and dropped my purse , I would begin to relax and find some inner quiet and peace. I hurried faster. I couldn’t wait.
Suddenly I saw myself staring up at the majesty of St. Gereon’s Basilica which is located two streets from my apartment. It is one of twelve great churches in Cologne that were built in the Romanesque style. Most of the present building dates from the Romanesque period, beginning in 1067 (!)
The doors were open. I have wanted to go inside since I don’t know how long—I don’t pass this way everyday and so I did.
Peace and quiet can wait I thought.
I entered and immediately became embosomed in the silence of this Roman Catholic Church, so much so, that I thought I could hear the few candles that were lit, flicker. I took a seat in a pew in the nave beneath the great dome, sat back and exhaled. The lighting was dim adding to the mystery and wonder of it all: sculptures, paintings, mosaics of Samsun losing his strength after getting his hair cut, David and Goliath, murals…
After looking around for a time, I proceeded to wear God out, praying for those I know and love and for those that I don’t. He is used to this from me by now.
Feeling much calmer than when I first stepped inside, I finished my conversation, stood and was drawn towards the sarcophagus of this church’s namesake, St. Gereon and the accompanying two tombs of his fellow martyrs. St. Gereon was a Roman solider from Egypt who was beheaded for his faith on this site in the 3rd century. The tombs are gated off so that one isn’t able to touch them. No doubt a good thing, but frustrating for me as I’m the one always setting off the alarms in museums because I can’t resist touching the wondrous relics.
I walked around and marveled a good half hour in the church. By the time I continued on home, my body and my mind had calmed down. Way down.
Hustle, Bustle, Peace. Somebody should invent a game and name it this. Only rule is you have to stay relaxed after you win the game…
You can visit St. Gereon’s Basilica yourself. There are several videos on youtube: St. Gereon’s Basilica in Koln. Enjoy.
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