TRIP HIGHLIGHT!
IT WAS A REVELATION!
OK. This sculptural door jamb was too cool for words. Just as it did for every illiterate medieval serf way back when, it illustrated for me more clearly than any Sister of Charity did in all those years of Catholic education the concept of the Word Incarnate or the Word Made Flesh. (Read: Jesus) I also learned a little something about the habits of nuns—the outfits not the practices!
At the base of the sculpture, an angel is announcing to Mary that she will be the Mother of God.
Above them floats God the Father.
There is a pipe(line) that goes directly from the mouth of God to Mary’s ear.
That, MDR, is how the “Word” of God became “Flesh”–through Mary’s ear!
And her maidenhood remained unsullied!
Apparently, this was a common belief in olden times: that Mary was impregnated through her ear.
And—this is the tidbit of Nun Knowledge—that is why a nun’s habit includes the coif (or cap) and veil: to conceal and protect their ears–and their vow of celibacy—from a repeat performance!
Oh, but there’s more! It may be difficult to see, but follow the pipe as it snakes its way to Mary’s violated ear. About two-thirds of the way down the conduit, there is J.C. as a laughing baby riding the “Word” like a Slip-n-Slide on His way to Mary’s womb!
“Coming, mother!”
Here are some more pictures from Wurzburg.
We began the day with a tour of the Bishop’s Residence and Gardens. [No picture taking was permitted inside.] During the war, much of the palace was destroyed. However, its three greatest rooms survived nearly intact including the grand staircase with the world’s largest stucco painted ceiling.
There was a huge garden behind the palace that we explored a bit before our tour of the interior.
After our palace tour, we walked into the town center. This is where we were regaled with the revelatory tale of the Immaculate Conception recounted earlier. Once we reached the heart of the town, we were on our own.
Carol, Rob and I found a local restaurant off the square for lunch. After satisfying our hunger with the €7.00 luncheon special, we made our way to the “wine” bridge.
Much like the St. Charles bridge in Prague, this mini-version is also lined with statues as it crosses the water. It is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike to purchase and enjoy a glass of wine and a friendly conversation. We made like a native and joined in the general frivolity before taking the bus back to our boat.
The evening entertainment was “Liars Club” with our Program Directors in the lounge. Our group–self-titled “The Barflies”–won hands down.
Dutch to Deutsch: The Great Rivers of Europe 