the lighter side

(written June 20, 2008)

Tuesday, June 17, was an Interesting day of history, when we visited the Strahov Monastery (Strahovsky klaster) with its famous library, and the Loreto Pilgrimage Center. Our gratitude goes to Karel, our gracious host and Mart’s dad, who sponsored for us a very knowledgeable tour guide. He explained to us in detail the history of the buildings, the Churches, and even the important characters involved at certain periods of times past.

I now know how the Premonstratensian Abbey of the Czech Republic has survived the purges of the reign of Joseph II of Austria (Holy Roman Emperor 1765-1790), and even the later one of the communist rule, when almost all the other religious communities were suppressed and outright abolished. The remains of St. Norbert, founder the monks’ religious order, is said to be kept in one of the Churches inside the compound.

In the Loreto, it was amazing to see the replica of the house in Nazareth where the angel Gabriel announced to the Blessed Virgin Mary her being chosen as the mother of Jesus. The story behind it is an interesting one indeed.

In a later entry – maybe when I’ll be back to home sweet home? – I’ll share to you some photos. But let this be posted now, or this will be so late.

(Hmmm I’m keeping track of how many posts I owe you already. May you let mom take her time, yeah? Thanks!)

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