Imagine what it would be like living on top of a mountain on the top of an island surrounded by water! Mont Saint-Michel is such a place with an active abbey at the very top of a mountain. The curvy walkway consists of steep walks and staircases and can be physically challenging. In the early days you’d traverse lots of sandy beach with areas of quicksand and the possibility that the tides could sweep you away if you didn’t time it just right. This beautiful castle like setting has been in existence since the year 708 A.D. When Bishop Aubert was visited by 3 persons who urged him to build a sanctuary on what then was called the Tomb Rock. A community of Benedictine monks would be established in 966 A.D. And then a Romanesque Abbey church would be erected between 1204 and 1228. At one time the island was even used as a prison with 14,000 inhabitants. One of the displays had some beautiful quotes about the meaning of the abbey and the meaning of the pilgrimage site for its visitors:
Whether demanding of joyful, the paths leading to the Marvel invite us to detachment. The at immense flatness of the bay contrasts with the vertical thrust of the abbey reaching toward heaven. The walker experiences that through physical effort, an inner journey begins. By journeying toward this rock alongside Saint Michael, we do not merely reach a remarkable historical site: we listen to a spiritual call that transforms our lives . . .
It is such a moving experience to be able to pray in this place, which for centuries has seen prayers raising up to God in a unique way. Here, it feels as though a little bit of heaven has come down to earth. Ot is it perhaps that we ourselves are lifted up a little through prayer? I therefore feel particularly inspired to ask for intercession or to pour out everything that weghts on my heart. What also helps me is seeing all these people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures, coming to admire this marvel and pray in their own way. . .
A sanctuary is as place set apart, carrying a universal message. Here, for 1,300 years, the faithful have come to seek teh protection of the Archangel Michaell. They pray to him to entrust their departed, find strength in daily trials, or experience forgiveness. Whether a fervent pilgrim or a simple visitor seeking meaning, the Mount offers everyone a place for reflection. Under the benevolent gaze of the Archangel, everyone can lay down their burden and find peace. . .
Knowing how to be silent before the power of Creation and the pilgrims’ paths . .. .Each crossing calls me to humility. The guide listens.=, leads across the sands, and warns of pitfalls. I leave no trace; my footprints are washed awqy with every tide. From the tip of my staff, I simply point to the sanctuary’s spire, a sacred direction pointing to Heaven. The Archangel Michael, our ultimate Guide, stands ready to lead our souls there. . . .
Reaching the Mount seems easy today, thanks to the footbridge and shuttles. But it was not always so. From the 8th century, drawn by St. Michael, pilgrims ventured into the bay “at the peril of the sea”, braving tides and quicksand. Many wrote their wills before risking it. Crossing the bay today, accompanied by passionate guides, we walk in the footsteps of these men and women driven by profound faith. . .
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