From the moment I stepped on the mountain of Montserrat, my mind has been completely captivated by this very mysterious place -- you can ask my roommate.
When I woke up there the first morning, it was like I had been bitten by a bed bug -- I couldn't stop talking about the place --- and I hadn't even really seen it during daylight yet.
It was just a feeling -- a major feeling -- similar, in strength, to what I felt at Volcano National Park on the Big Island in Hawaii, but even greater.
For your reading pleasure, I have included photographs of descriptions from Montserrat about Montserrat. This is a good place to start learning.
Otherwise, some general facts:
(1) Meaning: In the Catalan language, Montserrat literally means "serrated mountain." Hopefully you can tell by the pictures! (Thanks Dad.)
(2) One Legend: The statue of the black virgin was found in a grotto here in 888 (during the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula).
(3) Relationship to St. Ignatius: The Founder of the Society of Jesus, arrived here in 1522. He exchanged his clothes with a beggar at the door; made an all night vigil in arms in front of the Virgin; left his sword.
(4) Music: This monastery has been considered a cultural center for centuries. A young boys choir called L'Escolania draws hundreds (approaching a thousand) of people every day for their 15 minute chanting at 1:00 P.M. While you might think that they sing in Latin, they actually are singing in Catalan.
(5) Monastic Life: Home to Benedictine monks who have made a vow of silence, except when they get to sing! The constant bell ringing may drive some people crazy, but for me it was very soothing. The total silence of Montserrat may be more likely to drive me crazy rather than the bell tolling.
(6) Natural Park: We saw many people with rock climbing equipment. There are many trails for hiking at all levels of difficulty. If I lived near Barcelona, I would try to go to Montserrat frequently.
(7) Patron Saint: The Black Virgin, or La Moreneta, is the patron (virgin) saint of Catalonia and she has a huge following. On the Wednesday we were there, hundreds of people stood in line for hours to see her up close.
(8) Black Virgin: There are at least three explanations that I heard as to why she is black including: (a) The paint that was used on the wood reacted in such a way with the environment that she turned black; (b) The wood itself turned black; (c) The wood that was used was black which is yet just another example of how the Catalans like to be different.
(9) Fertility: One of my Catalan friends explained that historically newlyweds spent their wedding night in Montserrat since it is a place that has always been associated with fertility.
(10) Value: It is believed that the Virgin of Montserrat may be one of the first depictions of the Virgin Mary carved by St. Luke.
No comments:
Post a Comment