Saturday, October 6, 2012

Unlocked

Very close to my home is a Catholic University on one corner, a Catholic High School across the street and then across the street from that is a Convent that has slowly been converted to senior housing.  On the final corner is an Abby...we have always referred to this as Catholic Corners, fairly obvious as to why.  All of these are surrounded by beautiful land, plentiful trees and a hill or two.  Yesterday I decided to drive through the university looking for a spot that my sweetie and I had visited in the past, buried behind the dorms and class buildings.  It is a burial spot for many of the priests that have served this community of Benedictines.  It is surrounded by a high chain-link fence that up until yesterday had always been locked.  As I drove closer I saw that the gates were wide open and with that discovery I could hardly wait to park the car and grab my camera to walk into this holy space.  It's not a very large area, and walking around brought me such a lovely feeling of peace, but also a slight sense that I was disturbing the solemness that surrounded me.

Prior to entering the gates there was a seating area around this lovely statue of Mary....


Then entering the gates this is what is right in front to greet everyone who enters...


All of the stones were identical in size and height...perhaps symbolizing that we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord.




Leaving I also spotted some stunning Fall colors amongst the gravestones....



Shortly after the winds picked up and it began to rain, but I am so glad I decided to take the time to find this place again.  Who knows, I might never find it unlocked again.

"It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."  ~  Charles Spurgeon

Linking to Nancy's My Sunday Best.

Until next time....

24 comments:

  1. a simple life; a simple resting place. beautiful.

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  2. So beautiful! I'm glad you found the gate unlocked.

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  3. Such a beautiful spot, I think I would have been scared speachless that someone was going to come and tell me to get out. So glad they didn't for you. A beautiful find.

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  4. So serene. I was thinking this was the perfect link for My Sunday Best.

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  5. I'm so happy for you that the gate was unlocked and so happy for us because your lovely images really convey the beautiful surroundings!
    Buttercup is absolutely correct - this would be a stunning My Sunday Best post!

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  6. What an absolutely beautiful place to visit. Your pictures are stunning. I bet you are so glad you found it again. :)

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  7. What a great re-find Deanna, and beautiful photos, the light was gorgeous!

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  8. Excellent photos ~ love the fall colors you discovered ~ great post ~ (A Creative Harbor) ~

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  9. This just took my breath away...for many reasons. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Beautiful captures! So colorful yet mysterious :) Enjoy your Sunday!

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  11. Deanna, I just have to tell you that your photography just keeps getting better and better. I so love visiting to see what beauty you bring us :)

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  12. now that is an awesome place to visit. gorgeous views. the sculptures looks so peaceful & calm. (:

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  13. I love strolling through old cemeteries. So many beautiful sights. You've captured some gorgeous shots of a serene place.

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  14. As a "returning" Catholic I thoroughly enjoyed this post. All the religious statues and fall color are absolutely exquisite. Sad that it has to be locked for much of the time, but I'm glad for you and for us that you found it unlocked. Enjoy your Sunday!

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  15. This looks like a very special place. Your images are wonderful.

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  16. Weren't you lucky to be able to explore this place! Your photos have captured a beautiful soft warmth. Lovely colours! You might like to share your work on Mandarin Orange Monday:)

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  17. How fortunate for us all that the gates were open... just reminds me that the gates of heaven will be open to His faithful one day.

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  18. What a beautiful place....you captured the statues so beautifully...I can't ever seem to get those to display their beauty through the camera lens. Love your new header!!

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  19. Beautifully captured Deanna! Loved them all!

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  20. Gorgeous shots, Deanna!! I love the stonework and the colours!

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  21. You captured fall perfectly! Thanks for sharing at Your Sunday Best.

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  22. Your post really is a beautiful tribute to the lives of the priests as well as the beauty and sacred nature of the cemetery.

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