Sacred Art

Sacred Art

Deceived by the bright afternoon sun we happily landed in the US capital city only to protect ourselves with three layered outfit. The unceasing chill wind encouraged us to look for covered museums which abound in the city. But then we were stalled by the pleasant meeting with Sunil, who was walking towards us. Meeting him thousands of miles away from home was indeed very gratifying. Together we explored WDC within the limited hours at our disposal. Our priority was the White House, which ultimately was quite an anti-climax. We were led through a heavily cordoned avenue to a metal fence through which the one hundredth part of the official residence was visible. We had to pacify ourselves because of our worst experience in similar conditions in New Delhi. But before stumbling into this unwelcome site, we did spend some of our time in the National museum of space, history and art. The advantage of being a tourist in WDC is that you don’t have to empty your pocket to stroll around all these museums. In fact, these are places of greater interest, information and amusement. Some of them are mazes, so that in spite of walking along many galleries we arrived at the same spot again and again. So, willfully we walked away and reached the base of the mighty, 554 feet tall marble and granite Washington Monument. Fortunately it was thrown open to public because it had been closed due to a major repair caused by an earthquake. Weighing 45000 tons, the tall monument proclaimed the vision and strength of the first President of the USA. Since Britto was quite rightfully insistent about our visiting a church nearby, we hurried there only to realize how genuine his wish was. From the parking lot we looked puny and helpless and as we climbed the unending steps and stepped into the church, the awe-inspiring interior left us dumbfounded. Yes, believe it or not we were in the largest cathedral in the USA and in one of the ten most palatial basilicas in the world. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is the principal patroness of the USA.

          Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception had a long history. It was more an art gallery than a place of worship. Its unique architecture should be a text book to building engineers; the roof paintings are a visual feast. Hundreds of granite pillars supporting the grand doom roof, more than fifty chapels, seating facility for around 4000 people – no wonder it took 39 years to complete this saga of aesthetics and devotion. Our wide-mouthed ramble all of a sudden came to an abrupt halt when opening a door, a sweet anthem led us to the crypt. It was a miniature church where a regular mass was on its progress. The remaining hour was spent there thanking the Lord for the wonderful opportunity. Even Sunil, who had spent around 25 years in America, admitted that it was his first visit. The photographer in him never missed any of its beautiful spots. I was happy that on the pretext of sightseeing I was leading him to places so far hidden. I think I have succeeded in the mission of tourism, because I have seen more places than my kith, because my only vocation here is loitering.