Weight – Haiku 2025; ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:,
The Holy Door Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, Quebec City, Canada. Image credit: Lou Stejskal | flickr CC

the weight of glory

an open door, an outstretched hand

to all who enter

*

The only Holy Door outside Europe installed in 2013 was a gift from the Vatican – The Holy See to mark the 350th anniversary of the oldest church in Canada and North America—Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec, Quebec City, Canada (circa 1647).

The featured bronze door weighs 2000 lbs (907 kilos) and was sculpted by Montreal artist Jule Lasalle at the L’Atelier du Bronze premises in Quebec.

The front of the Holy Door is a representation of Jesus with his hand outstretched in 3D.

On the back of the door is a representation of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

The Holy door is situated at the back of the basilica where a modest portal was created at the rear wall of one of Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec’s chapels.

The entrance to the Holy Door is from the outside of the basilica via a covered glass enclosed ramp (as shown in the photo above).

Additional fact: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather’s 1931 published novel “Shadows on the Rock” is set in Quebec City. 

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, Quebec City, Canada. Licensed image credit: © Pepperboxdesign  Dreamstime

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Coming soon: The Thursday Doors Writing Challenge (May 2025)

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

56 thoughts on “Weight – Haiku 2025; ThursdayDoors”

  6. Wonderful haiku and door ( so heavy , how was it transported?) , Suzette. This one is quite unique, looks so modern, but it would be since it’s only 12 years old. Thanks for sharing. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes this one is modern compared to the usual doors that I share. Well spotted Grace.
      Regarding your question on tranporting this massive and heavy door, the foundary where it was made in Quebec worked on by the sculptor is expert at transporting and installation of large and small scale pieces. So I am guessing, I do not know for sure, that the foundary L’Atelier du Bronze handled the logistics of the install of the door at the basilica de Quebec. Great question. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

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  10. The haiku speaks so gently and powerfully to the Holy Door.
    It captures not just the physical beauty but the spiritual invitation carved into the door of Notre-Dame de Québec. On one side, Jesus, his hand extended—a gesture of welcome, of sacrifice, of divine grace. On the other, Mary, always present in his life, the quiet strength beside the Savior.

    What moves me is how the Church continues to portray this sacred bond—the weight of glory held in love between Mother and Son—for over 2000 years. This door, both threshold and symbol, reminds us that we enter not just a space, but a story still unfolding.

    The Basilica, as the oldest church in North America, holds this history like a treasure, and this door is its quiet proclamation: Come, all who seek. There is mercy here.

    Thank you for this simple yet so powerful haiku in honour of the Thursday Cathedral Door Offering.

    Wishing you a beautiful Thursday.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You are very welcome. I had something else for today planned but the Muse changed my path to this door share for today.

      Your wisdom is deeply appreciated as you mentioned the passing hint of the story of eternal Life that still unfolds because of his gift, his sacrifice and love for all.
      Yes, Amen to “there is mercy here…””
      His yoke is light as we lay down our burdens and take his offer of friendship. Amen!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We remain eternally grateful to the Muse—and love the sacred path they led you on to the Holy Door in Québec.

        Thank you for your enduring patience and your gracious welcome of my reflections on your work.
        It brings me sweet joy to ponder your words and the rich history woven through them.

        Amen—His yoke is light, and there is mercy waiting.
        What a friend we have in sweet Jesus.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Amen and Amen, dear Poet. His timing is always perfect.
        Thank you.
        And I too sit in the presence of a gifted conversationalist. It’s simply wonderful to be in conversation with you. I am deeply thankful.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. What a wonderful gift, and an amazing occasion to celebrate. 350 years isn’t a long time in Europe, but on this side of the Atlantic, it’s huge! I love your mention of the outstretched hand in your haiku. I’m guessing that was an interesting challenge for the sculptor.

    Great poem – great door and I hope you’re having a wonderful week, Suzette. I’m late catching up

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Dan, You are right, I feel 350 years are generations to us on this side of the Atlantic. I suspect the sculptor had quite the challenge of bringing his vision to life, but it is a great feature that extended hand in 3D.
      P.S. No worries, Dan. I am late catching up, too. Blogging is a leisurely sport, in my opinion, whenever and whatever one can do as his or her time permits is okay with me.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I liked your phrase “the weight of glory.” So many layers to that. These incredible churches you show us do have weight in their meanings. The outstretched hand is beautifully poignant.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Apologies for the late reply Maureen. I had in thoughts what I wanted to type in response to your wonderful meditation on the weight of The living word…
      But alas, the words stayed in my thoughts, and only now did I realize that I did not type n’ er word of reply. Apologies. Thank you for your wonderful support.

      Liked by 1 person

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