Mercy – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry
Right side door close up: Main Entrance (Gate of Mercy), Saint Pierre Basilica Vannes, Brittany France. Image credit © Alamy Stock

past records waived

mercy’s wide-open gate

extending grace

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The unclear provenance, or what experts term, “the inaccessible historicity” of this cathedral and its eclectic mashup of Gothic architectural styles including its much older Romanesque bell tower, adds considerable mystery to the dates associated with the construction/origins of the well-maintained and restored, present-day edifice of Saint Pierre Basilica, Vannes in Brittany, France (circa 1450 A.D.)

**Featured door – Main Entrance – north facade (open door closeup presented above, and the image below.) This portal in wood with its iron filagree bracing (circa 19th century A.D.), was given the official name of The Gate of Mercy in 2015.

Main Entrance, Gate of Mercy, Saint Pierre Basilica Vannes France. Image credit: © Hemis / Alamy Stock

Wider angle, Saint Pierre Basilica, Vannes Brittany France is below:

Saint Pierre Basilica, Vannes France. Image credit: © Manfred Gottschalk / Alamy Stock

Trivia #1: Vannes is famous for its medieval walled-city heritage/charm and its staggering 272 historic monuments in this relatively small town of 50,000 inhabitants.

Trivia #2: Saint Pierre Basilica, Vannes is wholly owned by the French state Government (as opposed to the Church) which has footed the full cost of this Basilica’s ongoing restoration bills since the mid-20th century.

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And, for More

#ThursdayDoors visit Dan Antion – No Facilities

Teresa My Camera and I

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

51 thoughts on “Mercy – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors”

  5. I love the image Hemes created for the Gates of Mercy, also Gottshalk’s photo of the largest cathedral in France, the seat of the Bishop of Vannes. I wonder how Vannes is pronounced?

    WHAT??. “272 historic monuments in this relatively small town of 50,000 inhabitants.” ….You don’t say?

    Amazing that the public purse pays for the upkeep of the church. I wonder what is the general public feeling regarding this matter.
    But I think the taxation system in Europe allows for a church tax and the individual can decide if they will contribute or not.

    The right door close up is the most endearing picture of all.
    The haiku says it all.
    “Extending Grace”

    A beautiful Thursday visit to the Gate of Mercy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Vannes sounds like saying “uh van” a slight long emphasis on the “n.” My French is poor, so don’t quote me on that one…lol.

      Yes, it is a choice tourist spot in Brittany, according to various travel websites. Lots to see for sure.

      The French state supports many Churches they consider of national importance example Notre Dame de Paris.

      My knowledge of France’s tax system is not good. And I may be wrong, but there is no church tax in France.
      You are right. Those countries with a church tax system do offer anopt-outt clause.

      It is a spectrum gate indeed. One feels the sense of humility of the juxtaposition of its great height and the simplicity of its form in wood..

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh uh van sounds beautiful
        Not flat at all with a soft breath running through.

        Amazing how these ancient church buildings have been directed for religious and tourist destination. We have so many churches in my country but they have not become open for touristic plans. We don’t have that natural pride and affinity for these old buildings.

        Oh I see, I thought that the state supported this large church and municipality put their pennies in the plate for the upkeep of local cathedreals.

        Ok Germany offers the opportunity for a church tax. From my knowledge alot of people contribute and mainly for tourism.

        Yes the simplicity is the most striking.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Your understanding of language phonetics is amazing…yes the “air” as the linguists say, in the French language helps words sound like “a soft breath “when spoken or heard”…awesomeness!

        National pride will come in time, perhaps. The church buildings featured are thousands of years old.

        Yes, the simple things sometimes are the best messengers of the profound and symbols of the truth.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thanks Poet, I’ve listened to French but sometimes I’m not sure how the written word is pronounced, but as you say there is always that soft nasal sound.

        I hope so Poet, I sincerely hope that we will embrace a national pride and start admiring our diverse endeavors. National pride rises and falls so quickly, we haven’t found the right formula to sustain and protect it wholeheartedly. We have our sweeping moments.

        Simplicity has an endearing beauty and most times a flawless messenger.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. It certainly is well maintained, Suzette. In that first photo, the doors look like they were build recently. I’m glad the state took over the cost. It sounds like the city might not be able to cover it, and it’s certainly worth preserving. I like your haiku. It fits well with that top image.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes, the doors do look pristine! I was noticing also the repair work in the ceiling in that photo and how well it was done, too!
      I agree with the great fervor of the restoration in this building. It holds a lot of history on ancient times in the area and of France’s beginnings as a nation tracing back to the time of the Vikings. My guess is that might perhaps be another reason it is state funded.
      Thank you for your support. Have a wonderful day!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Wow! The opening photo showcases the immense size of these doors in relation to the person walking in. Your Haiku brings a testament to the eternal grace that remains ever-present with our Father’s mercy. Thank you Suzette.

    Liked by 2 people

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