Last summer I had the privilege of participating in the annual traditional Catholic pilgrimage from Paris to Chartres. The walking route covers some 60 miles over three days, and we arrived at Chartres Cathedral with tears, smiles and more than a few blisters.
Newcomers like myself soon discover that Chartres Cathedral is perhaps the most magnificent in all Christendom. The soaring arches, incongruous spires and radiant stained-glass windows combine to form an architectural and artistic marvel. Upon entering the nave of this sacred space, one cannot help but wonder what kind of civilisation it must have taken to construct a building such as this with nothing but hand tools, grit and prayer.
