On the edge of the city of Paris, up a slope and away from the bustle of downtown, the basilica of Sacre Coeur rests. It watches over the streets of Paris from its vantage point and from there one can watch as well. Sacre Coeur stands as an oasis from the dynamic metropolis. As far as French cathedrals go, it is somewhat modest, though a step through the doors still brings a view of grand, high ceilings and ornate decoration. It is to this church that the oppressed are encouraged to come.
Sacre Coeur was built by the French monarchy to appease the people of Paris after particular brutality involving the execution of the Archbishop of Paris. Translated as “Sacred Heart”, Sacre Coeur calls to come and to pray for the sacred hearts of those who are oppressed. It promises sanctuary in a time of trouble and rest in a life of pain. Before the doors and on the square, people danced to music and played with their pets, but inside the walls was still.
I was struck by the sacredness that can still be felt in Sacre Coeur. Tragically, most of the cathedrals and churches we visited in Paris felt only like spectacles; a sight to see from a bygone age. The cathedral of Norte Dame imposed its impressiveness, but it is only the remains of a once holy kingdom. The colorful Sainte Chapelle is a beautiful corpse of the Christianity once found in France. No more do people worship in these structures; no more is their life fulfilled.
This, to me, was the most wonderful part of Sacre Coeur. It may not be a place of Christian worship, but it still sees its purpose somewhat fulfilled. People still come and pray in the holy halls for the oppressed, and maybe some of them find comfort.
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Business and Engineering in the Context of European Culture