SESATIONNEL!

Written By: Chappe'll Moore
Edited By: Jordan Ball

Beep! Beep! Beep! Is a familiar waking sound I am used to. All of that familiarity is out the window in Paris. Just on the other side of this window is the sounds of eloquent conversations from local Parisians. Every few minutes the sounds of cars racing down the street drown out the almost poetic voices that stirred me awake.

Though I find myself in this new and exciting city the urge for my morning routine of coffee comes over me. What better way to appease that lingering taste than to have a cup of The International House of Starbucks finest. This is just what I would need to get me revved up for the day.

The goal is simply to attend mass at one of the most acclaimed cathedrals in the world. The thought of this goal immediately causes a sense of anxiousness to come over me. I have no idea what to expect. My fluttering imaginations put me into an even higher degree of suspense.
The doors of the metro car seemed to drag open. No sooner than they could open I am out the car and racing up the stairs. My feet almost moving faster than my mind can tell them to. As I stand up straight in an attempt to catch my breath my efforts are made futile by the magnificent building I see in front of me. I am stunned in amazement, and left breathless standing on the sidewalk just across the street. The only thing that stands in between the church and I is the heavy traffic of tour buses, and locals mopeds. I make my way across the street as safe as possible just to find myself standing right at the door of salvation.

Once inside I quickly made my way to a nice seat where I could see and absorb everything that was in the midst of taking place. I tried to capture every single moment through film, but that was cut short by an usher who notified me that service would start shortly. I do not know much about this particular religion so I try my best to learn by example. Paying close attention to the people around me I remain standing in respect as the alter children, and priest make their way to the front of the auditorium. What follow is a traditional service of scripture reciting, hymns, and the holiest of holies. Communion! The service stirs my inner spirit so much that I find myself holding myself back from jumping right into the middle of the action. Out of respect and reverence I refrain from my sudden urge.

All in all Catholicism is not the norm for me, but being able to experience their mass at one of the most famous and breathtaking catholic churches in the world was SESATIONNEL!