Black Madonna, Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain

About Montserrat:

"In Catalonia, Spain, not far from Barcelona, you will find this historic monastery perched on a cliff. Inside is the famous statue of Our Lady of Montserrat, known as the Black Madonna, or moreneta in Catalan.
 
The origin of the image is unknown. Some claim that it was carved in the Holy Land in the early Centuries of the church while others put the date around the 13th Century.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola visited here after he recovered from his illness and laid down his military equipment in front of the statue. He went on to a period of asceticism before…..and eventually founding the order that became known as the Jesuits".  (https://thecatholictravelguide.com/destinations/spain/montserrat-spain-shrine-black-madonna/)

The easiest way to get to Montserrat is to catch a train from the rail station at Plaça Espanya—you will want line R-5. The train will take you to the base of the mountain. To reach the Monastery you can then take the cable car from the base of the mountain. There is an admission fee, which helps to support the efforts to restore the monastery.

I personally took the tour from GetYourGuide.com. It was around $65 plus gratuity. I opted for this because my time in Barcelona was limited. Overall, it was really worth it. We started at 8am and ended at our 6pmish. Out tour guide did extensive explanation of every sights we passed-from the city up to Montserrat. Air-conditioned bus and cog wheel train were included in the package.

Here are the  pics that caught my eye ....

Our driver...Jose

The view getting near Montserrat

A mountain visible along the way

This boulder is so enormous!!

Entrance

Still the entrance of the church

Walk way along

As we enter the church....a sculpture of St. George greeted us.

Why Sant Jordi?
The feast of Sant Jordi (or Saint George, as we know him in English), falls on 23rd April, the supposed anniversary of his martyrdom. George, according to tradition, was a Roman soldier of Greek origin who converted to Christianity and was executed when he refused to renounce his faith. The emperor Diocletian had issued an edict persecuting Christians, which led to George revealing his faith for which the emperor ordered his decapitation. Celebrated as a martyr, fantastic legends grew up around him. Since 1456 he has been the patron saint of Catalonia, one of his many patronages, alongside England, Georgia, Bulgaria, Aragon, farmers, the scout movement, chivalry, horses, sheep and skin diseases.

The legend

The legend, as told in Catalonia at least, says that, once upon a time, there was a savage dragon, able to poison the air and kill with his breath, terrorising the inhabitants of a town. The residents, living in fear, decided to appease the dragon by offering him two sheep a day. But this only lasted so long before they ran out of animals and had to find another kind of sacrifice. They decided to draw lots among all the residents. The person whose luck ran out, the person chosen, was the princess. Her father, the king, accepted the result and wouldn't exchange her for another victim. So the princess, dressed in white, headed to her fate. At that moment, a knight appeared: Saint George. Astride a white horse, with his sword in one hand, shield in the other, he rode to the rescue. He ran the dragon through with his weapon, freeing the princess and the town. And the dragon's red blood soaked into the ground where he died and, in that spot, a bush of bright red roses sprang up. The knight plucked one and offered it to the princess.
And, despite George being a Roman soldier from either Palestine or Cappadocia who died in Bithynia (those last two in modern Turkey), the Catalan version sets the dragon in story in... Catalonia. Specifically Montblanc, capital of the comarca (county) Conca de Barberà, about 100 km/60 miles due east of Barcelona.

 This statue of Sant Jordi can be found in a niche when walking in the direction of the Monastir de Montserrat Church. It´s a work of Josep Maria Subirachs, a Catalan sculptor and painter of the late 20th century. His best known work is probably the Passion Facade of the basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. It has been controversial, as he did not make any concessions to the style of the architect who designed the building, Antoni Gaudí. The same style can be found in this statue of Sant Jordi. (http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMD26H_Sant_Jordi_Montserrat_Spain)

 

 History of the Black Madonna of Montserrat

• Originally known as La Jerosolimitana, the statue was thought to have been fashioned in Jerusalem during the earliest times of the Christian Church
• The Black Virgin of Montserrat is nowadays also known as La Morenata or simply as The Madonna of Montserrat
• The statue was eventually given to the Bishop of Barcelona who brought it to Spain
• In the 7th century the Saracens invaded Spain. Eventually, when it became obvious that Barcelona could no longer hold out, a group of citizens removed the statue from the city and on the 22nd April 718 hid it in a cave at Montserrat
• For almost 200 years the statue remained hidden. It was not forgotten but details of its location were lost.
• In 890 shepherd boys from Monistrol at the foot of Montserrat were sent up the mountain with their flocks. At night time they saw lights and heard singing on the mountainside.
• The matter was reported to the village priest and the investigations led to the discovery of the statue
• The statue was brought down from the cave and a small church was built to house it.
• The ecclesiastical infrastructure that later developed - the monastery and the basilica - were entirely to facilitate the worship of the Black Virgin of Montserrat
• The monastery was completed in 1592
• The present statue probably replaces a much earlier model. Byzantine-style art is evident in the long facial features of the Madonna and the Child.
• Despite their protected position on the mountain the buildings have suffered many onslaughts caused by invaders, civil wars, and rebellions. But the statue has been protected by the custodians.
• The Virgin Mary of Montserrat was declared the Patron Saint of Catalonia by Pope Leo XIII (reigned 1878-1903)
• The shrine that houses the statue, situated behind and above the altar, was completed in 1954
• Every year millions of pilgrims make their way to Montserrat to pay homage to this statue of the Virgin
• According to superstition, the Virgin will intercede to encourage the fertility of a woman who is hoping to become pregnant if she kisses the hand of the statue. ( https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/The-Black-Virgin-ofo-oMontserrat)

We have to queue to get inside. This was the hallway that goes up the altar.

 

 

 

Too often, racism and ignorance obscure her true origins. One common account of the Black Madonna in France's Chartres Cathedral holds that her skin was once white, but became dark over the centuries due to exposure to candle soot. This theory, although easily disproven, is accepted in many locations throughout Europe. (https://www.utsa.edu/ovations/vol8/story/black-madonna.html)

At this time, I was already sitting at the church....'used zoom lens to take pic  on top of the altar.

Shrine of the Black Madonna

 

Some more pictures outside the Shrine....

Candle offering

Replica/s sold at the Shrine's Store

Honestly, I did not know what they were doing..maybe practicing climbing, or just cleaning up..

St. Michael's Cross..The walk takes about 20 minutes each way. It is more uphill on the way there. At the end of the walk is St. Michael's Cross.

 

 

At a distance, Montserrat is a pile of grottoes and Gothic pyramids; when near, each cone appears a mountain by itself; and all the cones, terminated by needles, or points, which make a great noise when the wind blows, form an enormous mass of about five leagues in circumference. It was probably this singular conformation that led to the invention of the fable of the giants, who had heaped mountain upon mountain to scale the heavens. 

It is on a platform of his celebrated mountain that the superb convent has been built, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, which is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages of Christendom. An inscription, of the year 1239, preserved in the convent above a large picture of the same period, thus records the foundation of this fine monastery.

Our guide said these look like mummies...

*****

I am so blessed to be able to come to Montserrat.

With the continuous prayers along the way,

All went well.

Thanks for taking the time to view / read my blog.

all photos are all taken by me..

for more photos-follow me on FB: Freundschaft Bee_photogs

  

 

 

Travel: Fun Actually

There have been many tips, do's and don't's while traveling.

I consider this as my travel diary. I based them from my many years of traveling.

 There were people I know, asked me how do I prepare for such travel...therefore, I made this --in case they read them... lols..

I. PREP time before TRAVEL
Writing a list of what to bring.
--If my husband sees me on my working desk, writing on a piece of paper with pencil and eraser, he already knows I am making a list.
--I make different headings to categorize the things I must bring.
** TOILETRIES --I usually am not so crazy about these since hotels provide them for me. However, I make sure I have those travel sizes (inside my hand carry bag), i.e. toothpaste, hand lotion, moisturizer, eye cream, hand cream, liquid foundation, eye drops, body lotions, lip balm, face mist....and they should all fit on  a quart zip lock bag inside my hand carry. I take it out for pre boarding x-ray. Yup, as long as they fit all in that plastic bag, I am good. 
--Lately, the TSA now wants the traveler to take out snacks for x-ray, especially the granola and protein bars. Another separate zip lock is needed.

Freebies from my favorite make up brands come in handy. When I go to other countries,  part of my shopping list is to find stuffs for traveling. I put my SPF face lotion, and some anti itch cream on the contact lens container, well labeled.. Oh, I even have rubbing alcohol.  
--Actually, there is still space on my zip lock bag. So I stuff them with other things like carefree panty liners, disposable underwear. I bring wet ones, facial and body wipes..

--There was a time when this TSA screener did not tell me that I forgot my zip lock bag. I was busy fixing my hand carry. I only realized it when I was waiting for my next connecting flight. I was disappointed..coz most of the stuffs took time for me to collect them..collected them from most of my travels were all gone.  They may be freebies, but hey, they were important for me. Oh well, lesson learned.
 **GADGETS - I list down the kind of chargers to bring. Some countries have different wall outlets. I bring my universal adapters.
**CLOTHES - I list down how many pants/jeans, t-shirts, undergarments, and shirts I should bring. I am a fan of disposable panties. I like the ones found at Watson's (Manila). During cold weather, I bring Heatech undergarments, shirts and pants. I bring some weather clothes essentials like parka (light or thick), hat/s, umbrella, and  a raincoat. 
-- Gotta check the general weather of the place first. I am a minimalist when traveling. My logic is: bring less clothes so more space for the things I shopped.
    I bring a laundry soap.

Perla dissolves so fast. Tide is good, gives you the 'freshly washed' feeling. The best for me is ZOTE, it's hard and big, so I cut it into half, and it lasts long. Fabric freshener is good for pants if I don't have the time to wash my jeans.
**SHOES -  I always bring an extra pair.
--My thought is: if it rains, or some uneventful event happens, then I have extra shoes to wear. I never bring new pair of shoes, coz these are not 'tested' yet. I bring my most comfy shoes ever. They may not look nice, but who cares. My feet won't be stressed. There was a time were my ankle boots were really, really old. My sister said, it's time to let go.
-- Slippers-either rubber or for room use. I like disposable slippers. I use them on the plane and sometimes at the hotel room (if there are no slippers provided). Then, I just throw them away.
--When I was in LV, it rained hard. I bought a $2 poncho and it was not bad. I wore my winter hiking boots. I bought them coz the description said they're waterproof. They lied. My feet were soaking wet. Back in the hotel, I blow-dried them w/ the hair dryer, and threw my wet socks.
**FOLDABLE SHOPPING BAG -- Some countries like in Europe, they don't give plastic bags. Well, you can get one but it's for sale. 
-- I put my fresh fruits, yogurt, bread, sweets, etc in my shopping bag.

**BRITA on the GO -- some countries like Europe, water is more expensive than beer and sodas.
--I am a water drinker. First I check if the water is potable. Even if tap water is drinkable, I use Brita to purify some or most negative elements. The filter lasts for 3 months

** PACKING CUBES -- They are good organizers. Once I arrive in the hotel (or wherever I will spend the night/s), I will just take them out and set them either on the closet or on shelf.

--My clothes all fit in. These cubes are worth 5 days of  travel.
Overall, this list actually is short. It makes me focus on what to bring. The logic here is: for me not to spend extra money for toothbrush/toothpaste etc, coz I forgot them. As a budget traveler, every penny counts. I am not worried if they occupy space and add weight on my luggage. They are all small, light, and important..

.


II. DURING TRAVEL
** Arriving HOURS before the check in time.
-- My husband drives me to the airport. I choose the first flight in the morning. I know, poor guy. For him not to miss work, early flight makes sense, though not convenient especially on winter. There was a time where I almost missed my flight. He was still sleepy. It usually takes time for him to 'wake' up even if he's awake. When I arrived at the airport, the ground staff was already paging my name.
**Timing of the connecting Flight.
--I always have connecting flights. Before I buy the ticket, I count how many hours til my next flight. On the ticket, it says, the plane arrives at a certain hour. Well, true, but actually, it means, it's the actual time the plane lands. Taxiing will take at least 20 minutes. Getting off will take 10-15 minutes. Going to the next gate for my flight (usually international flight), will take at least 30-40 minutes, depends on the SKYLINK (train) and how fast I walk. A 1.5 hour-connection is not enough.
--At least a 3 hour layover is allotted.  It also gives the baggage crew to deliver the luggage to respective gates. 
--Airports I try to avoid (as much as possible) for connecting flights: LAX, ORD, JFK because of so many people.
--International Airports I try to avoid: LHR, CDG because the lay out is not user friendly. It's way too huge, finding directions are hard to find.
--Airports that are easy to navigate: HKG, SIN, TYO, MNL, BKK, DFW, ICN, and counting...
**SEAT SELECTION
--I prefer the aisle seat. I like to walk and have access to the lavatory. 
--I also call the airline to reserve my aisle seat.
**E-TICKETS / BOARDING PASSES
--I print 3-4 copies of my e-tickets. I put one copy inside my luggage/s.
-- I take photos of my boarding passes.
--I downloaded the airline app (I am flying), so I can have the mobile boarding pass/es.
--Mostly in Europe, they prefer the mobile boarding passes.
--Let me tell you this experience:
 Coming back to the USA, my boarding passes had SSSS printed. I did not notice it at first. 
SSSS stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection and it appears on a passenger's boarding pass when they've been selected by TSA's Secure Flight system for enhanced security screening," 
As courteous and respectful the TSA agents were, I was not happy. She patted me all over (no problem, since it's part of their job). The other agent screened my hand carry..all of the items inside. My feeling then was, "Oh God, I am not a criminal. Why are they doing this to me." The paranoia, the what if, etc etc comes  in my mind. It took me almost an hour to finish the screening. She  (agent) explained to me the procedure. She was nice ...thank goodness. Anyway, after all those procedures, I   started running to my next gate.  The only  ok thing here is...they closed one x-ray machine just for me...lols.  That is why, at least 3hour lay over is a must. 
**ON BOARD
--For long flights, I walk, stretch my legs and feet.
--I am an economy-class flyer. Whatever gadget/thing that will make my flight comfortable, I buy them.
Inflatable pillows are space savers. They are even comfortable.
Inflatable neck pillow and seat cushion...

 
As for my foot rest, I usually use my hard case hand carry luggage. It fits under the seat in front of me.
--I bring my own earphones. I prefer stereo sound. 
--I wipe my table, armrest, remote controls with wet ones.  
--Face mask is also essential.
--I drink lots of fluids, there is no excuse for me not to stand and go to the lavatory.. ;) 
--If it's an overnight flight, the flight attendants  place snacks and drinks at the galley.

III. AT THE DESTINATION
--I research   how to go to my hotel or destination from the airport.
--I usually take the bus airport. It's cheaper, and convenient. I try to avoid the train as much as possible because of my luggage. 
--Sometimes, I take hotel shuttles. The disadvantage is, the van will go to the hotels of the other passengers. I don't have a problem  if I have the time. It's also a sight seeing tour for me.
--When I was in Paris, I was the first to sit on the van. There were 7 of us with different hotel addresses. The driver will go to the nearest hotel at the airport first. Guess what, I was the last person to get off. My hotel was at the city center --at Champs Elysee.
--I make sure I have money for taxis.
*********OTHERS--OTHERS--OTHERS
--Bring a lot of zip lock plastic bags. They are useful and sturdy.
--Invest on the lightest luggage you can find. Weight matters. 
    My favorite brand is IT Luggage. They have either the hard shell or frame less. I always use the frame less. The 30" dimension luggage weighs around 5.5 lbs only. Normally, airlines require up to 50 lbs of weight. Just imagine how much stuffs you can put inside if you have extra lbs on your luggage...sweet ... 
-- Bring masking tape. This is good for labeling. They are sturdy actually.
 Sometimes, I use this as my "plaster" if I feel that my shoes will give me blisters.
--Small blunt scissors good for cutting things and a kit which has nail cutters, needle, thread, pins.
--Bring extra pad locks. 
    I am into a habit of locking my things inside my room.
--Secure your wallet/s, money/s in your bag. Be careful. Many thieves are roaming around. It is ok to be aggressive especially if your physical boundaries have been violated.
   My sister taught me to tie them in my bag. I buy an ID neck wear with a hook, (which can be bought at any office supplies). I clip it on one end of my wallet, then attach the other end outside my bag.
   When we were in Paris, there were some young adults roaming around, asking tourists to take a survey. Obviously, they were not officially assigned to do that. We avoided them, but they kept following us. One guy had a folder, and showing me this 'paper' while he was talking. He became aggressive, until I raised my voice and said "NO." He was shoving this folder on my stomach. When I stopped him and touched his hand, he was actually trying to open my belt bag. I was shocked! I looked at him, and they finally left us. My sister said, all the while, belt bags are safer than shoulder bags or back packs. I guess these thieves are innovative.  
   When I was in Berlin, I was sitting on the steps of some kind of a museum. A young lady approached me (not German), was smiling, and started touching my face. What!! Not even my sister would touch me on the face, lols. I was surprised, so I shouted at her. She left me alone.   
--Use separate wallets for different denomination or currencies if visiting to different countries.

--Make photo copies of your passport.  Place one in your hand carry, and bring another copy in your go-around bag. 
--I also bring a photo copy of my driver's license. 
    My husband told me, it is better to have an extra ID on hand.

*****

Awareness of my surroundings,

Minding my own things,

Respectful and courteous to others,

and most of all, 

Praying the Holy Rosary at all times,

...these are the most important travel 'tools' ever. 

Thank you for taking time to read my blog.

Photos: Freundschaft Bee

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