Saint Malo the Beautiful Hostage

Entombed in Saint Malo

Part of a Poem by George Herbert (1593-1633)

While that my soul repairs to her devotion,
Here I entomb my flesh, that it betimes
May take acquaintance of this heap of dust;
To which the blast of death’s incessant motion,
Fed with the exhalation of our crimes,
Drives all at last. Therefore, I gladly trust 
My body to this school.

George Herbert, a famous poet, would lie in a tomb in a church to get used to the concept of death and our bodies eventually turning to dust. I, for one, would not lie myself down in a coffin to get used to the idea of death. Because when I am actually dead, I won’t know I am there anyway. So what’s the point? Besides, how many churches have you been to where there is a vacant tomb just lying around waiting for someone to try it out? Aren’t they private? I mean, are they not expecting a certain person? Imagine being kicked out of a tomb. How embarrassing.

A doctor friend of mine once told me that, in general, poets are depressed, morbid people. It makes sense.

It’s Not Just a Church

Maureen complains about me always wandering into churches. How can you not visit a church, especially in Europe or South America? It’s not just a church. There is history connected with a church. Speaking of entombment, sometimes very famous people who accomplished vital milestones in the history of the world are entombed in these churches.

For example, Jacques Cartier (1491-1557) sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1534 to find that much sought-after shortcut to the riches of India. He found the Saint Lawrence River in Canada instead. He is a Malouin who lies in Saint Vincent’s. That coat of arms right there is Canada’s.

Weird Church Furniture in Saint Vincent’s Cathedral

I’ve never seen anything like this kind of furniture in a church before. I cannot find out who was commissioned to make it and in what year this furniture was created.

There are two creatures or maybe one is a human holding up this table. And the round carvings that look like Resurrection Fern fronds on the table and under the chair are what? The bas-relief depicting the people holding hands is also puzzling. I meant no disrespect but I patted the middle figure’s buttocks for good luck when I walked by. I had a feeling lots of people do that.

Two Christs

Maureen paused for a while to look at this painting. I wonder what it means. The blue color is dazzling against the gold and silver. I’ve never seen Christ depicted like this before.