Notre Dame Basilica

December 23, 2008 | Filed Under General | Leave a Comment 

Several times a year I visit Notre Dame Basilica at Place D’Armes Square in Old Montreal. It is as old and historic a church as you are apt to find anywhere in North America, dating back to 1672 when the first parish church was built on the site. The existing structure was built in the 1820s and the church has welcomed literally millions of visitors and worshippers throughout its history. It became a basilica in 1982 during a visit to Montreal by Pope John Paul II.

Among the many historic events that have occurred within its walls were a visit in 1850 by American writer Henry David Thoreau, the funeral of Georges-Étienne Cartier in 1873, the the marriage of Céline Dion and René Angelilin in 1994 and the funerals of Pierre Trudeau in 2000 and Maurice Richard in 2001. What always strikes me is the sense of peace and intimacy in the church, despite its size, and the overwhelming beauty of every aspect of its design, especially the soaring blue altar at the front. I try to visit Notre Dame every Chritmas season, usually on Christmas Eve. It never fails to inspire me.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

December 18, 2008 | Filed Under General | Leave a Comment 

From early December to early January each year, the Canadian Parliament Buildings and surrounding landmarks – museums, monuments, embassies and federal buildings – are illuminated nightly to celebrate the Christmas and holiday season. This year more than 300,000 multicolored lights were strung and at more than 70 sites along Confederaton Boulevard, the ceremonial route that passes in front of Parliament Hill and loops overthe Ottawa River to Gatineau and back.