la cathédrale d’Amiens a 800 ans ans
The cathedral of Amiens is 800 years old
English version below the picture
En décembre 2019, les célébrations (concerts, messes) commenceront pour fêter les 800 ans de la cathédrale d’Amiens. La première pierre a été posée en 1220 sous le règne de Phhilippe-Auguste, roi de France, l’évêque étant Evrard de Fouilloy. Cette immense cathédrale a été construite rapidement avec toutes ses parties et ses nombreuses statues gothiques. L’essentiel de l’œuvre a été terminé en 1288. Ce n’est pas la plus ancienne de France qui est Notre-Dame de Paris, mais c’est la plus grande avec une unité de style (gothique) et elle est très belle. Il mesure 145 mètres de long et la voûte culmine à 42,3 mètres de haut. Nous devons penser que tout cela a été fait à la main. C’est un témoin de foi et aussi de la richesse de la ville d’Amiens à cette époque. Voici quelques photos prises il y a quelques années:

Côté sud de la cathédrale d’Amiens

Façade de la cathédrale avec ses 3 portails couverts de statues
Next December 2019 the celebrations ( concerts , masses ) will start to celebrate the 800th birthay of the cathedral of Amiens . The first stone has been laid in 1220 under the reign of Phhilippe-August , King of France , the bishop being Evrard de Fouilloy. This huge cathedral has been speedily built with all of of its parts and all of its numerous gothic statues. The main of the work was ended in 1288. It is not the oldest in France that is Notre-Dame de Paris but it is the largest with an unity of style ( gothic ) and is very beautiful. It is 145 meters long and the vault is 42,3 meters high (138,8 ft). We have to think all of this was made by hand. It is a witness of faith and also of the wealth of the town of Amiens at this time. Here is some photos taken some years ago.
Mais ce que j’aime le plus est de me trouver dans cette cathédrale quand elle est remplie d’un immense peuple . Dans cette foule de 2000 personnes qui se pressent sous la haute voûte de la nef culminant à 42 mètres chacun peut se sentir comme faisant part de cette communauté chrétienne qui d’âge en âge constitue le corps du Christ sur terre.
Et si vous levez les yeux pendant que se déroule la messe vous vous perdez dans cette lumière en haut du chœur où viennent se fondre les prières des hommes du temps présent avec le chant des âmes de ceux qui nous ont précédés ici depuis des siècles . Ces vieilles cathédrales sont des lieux sur cette terre où souffle l’ Esprit . A la sortie les gens se sentent transformés.


Cette lumère spéciale en haut du choeur pendant la messe photo M. Fauquet

Un lieu très inspirant.. Le Ciel visite la terre photo Michel Fauquet 2010
But what I love the most is to be in this cathedral when it is filled with an immense crowd .
In that crowd of 2000 people who press each other under the 42 meter high vault , everyone may feel itself like being part of the Christian community which from age to age forms Christ’s body on earth . And if you rise the eyes during the mass you become lost in this special light in the high of the choir in which the present time human’s prayers are melting with the song of the souls of those who were here before us from centuries and centuries . Those old cathedrals are one of the places on earth where the Spirit is blowing . We see the people transformed when they get out of there.
Awesome!
Thanks , Gail . Yes this cathedral is inspiring .
The Amiens cathedral is very beautiful, Michel, and I love your accounting of what it is like when filled with people, prayers melting with the song of souls from before.
You say this better than I could say, Lavinia .. How many people entered this cathedral since 1220 ? ❤
Many, many souls. ❤
Yes , Lavinia ,many souls that we cannot count ❤
What a beautiful church building!
This church is like 800 years ago despite of wars and revolutions , Nico
Yes, an amazing history! Blessings to you and your family.
During WW2 he center town of Amiens was totally destroyed by bombing by planes excepted the cathedral !
Amazing! Blessings Michel!
Breathtaking. We have some beautiful cathedrals but of course the antiquity of these churches is awesome in itself! Thank you dear Michel, loved this. ❤
This cathedral like others in Europe is a poem coming from the depth of the history; it is a jewel of architecture and sculpture . Thanks Holly.
I agree completely, it’s breathtakingly beautiful!
Yes , Holly, breathtaking is the convenient word.
These ancient cathedrals instill a reverence, a stillness Michel. It’s hard to take in the absolute beauty and all the souls that entered here. ❤️
Yes, Holly, we feel very small and impressed. This cathedral tells us many things.
Indeed!
Thanks, Holly ! ❤
❤️
Appreciate you sharing this as I will never have the opportunity to be there. I love stained glass windows and my church has only one at the altar.
What is remarkable also, Bonnie, about those stained glasses we see is they crossed wars despite the bombing of Amiens.
Very pretty.
This is the history up in front of us .
A very long history
800 years ! How many people came in this cathedral ?
Many people for worship and to visit the place
You are right more and more tourists come here
Something with that long of history attracts people
They find here some of their roots.
Yes
They are beautiful. Elegant
Yes , Angy: beauty is there .
Your photos and your words about the Amiens Cathedral brought tears to my eyes, Michel! And I can hear the music, see the light coming through the stained-glass windows, feel the warmth of the people, etc. 🙂
The beauty, the art, the artistry, it’s age…and especially all of the people, SO MANY people, who have worshiped God there! “If those walls could talk”…comes to mind. And the memories of all the people who have entered it’s doors and left being comforted, at peace, inspired, happy, etc. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with us!
HUGS!!! 🙂
I was sure you would be moved by this, Carolyn. Art, faith and age are gathered to leave a deep impression. ❤
Yes, a deep impression.
I feel in awe, and I am so humbled and so grateful when I get to even just stand in a building like a cathedral.
You say all of this with such emotion , Carolyn, that I feel humbled , too. Thank you very much.
I’m always amazed by the artistry of the architects so many years ago.
That they took care, and gave great detail, in their work from the bottom of the building to the very top! They never knew that one day many years later there might be buildings taller that would surround their building, or airplanes would fly over their building, and people would see their artistry at the very tip top! 🙂
Do you know , Carolyn, all of those statues outside are called the Bible of Amiens because they relate different moments of the Bible ?
What a beautiful way to share God’s Word with those passing by and those who stop to worship. 🙂
How are you feeling today, Michel?
While I am here to comment I will, as my Mom said, “Sit a spell”…and pray for you.
(((HUGS)))
things could be better but wait after the surgery it will be better . But I do not know when it is.
Thanks, Carolyn.
I know the waiting for the surgery is difficult. 😦
Please remain strong and hopeful and keep your beautiful sense of humour intact. 🙂
Many of us are praying for you!
You’re welcome, Michel.
Thanks again , Carolyn.
You’re welcome, Michel.
Absolutely amazing! To think this cathedral will be 800 years old is quite astounding. Such beautiful architecture, and I love the stained glass windows. So many people obviously treasure Amiens with it’s splendor and history. ❤
How many architects, masons and sculptors have worked to build this marvel, Marion?
Combien j’aimerais pouvoir la voir! Merci Michel, à travers ta description j’ai pu pendant un instant y être.
J’espère que vous êtes tous bien, au moins pour le peu que tes conditions de santé le permettent. Amicalément, Annalisa.
Je suis content d’avoir transmis ce que je ressens, Annalisa.
Pour la santé, je suis bloqué en ce moment ( attente d’opération ). Merci de demander
Amitié ❤
Such a beautiful description. I can only imagine how it must feel to sense the presence of those who worshipped her so long ago. The workmanship, the dedication , the design , the fact that so many of those who worked on this magnificent edifice did not live to see the results…They had faith.
If you haven’t already, you would be interested in the book “Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follet which gives us an idea of what went into the building of these magnificent places of worship that reach for the heavens. Thank you for sharing this. I feel that I have been there.
Love,
votre amie
Francoise
Fr
.
Thank you, Françoise, for giving me the information on this book by Ken Follet which is entirely appropriate.
I am glad you feel having be there at reading this post..
It’s so amazing to me that 800 years and and more ago they could build the greatness we can see so many years later!
and all of this by hands , Miriam, and so beautiful.. Yes this is amazing .
Magnificent architecture! Beautiful place of worship. God bless, Uncle Michel❤️
You are so right Isabel. Thank you.
Beautiful pictures, my friend. You find much peace and comfort here. This building has “seen” so many things. It has been witness to all the history of its people and the different cultures. A special tribute to the people who built the cathedral and to those who are its caretakers now. ❤️
I am so glad to read you, Rachel, and see you share my own emotion and my feeling in front of this witness of the history .<3
It is certainly a beautiful cathedral. I love the amazing architecture and the feeling of really being in the presence of the lord in these special old structures. Our church is rather modern and it just doesn’t have the same feeling as the beautiful older churches but God is everywhere so it’s still a good feeling to be there 💕💕 barbara
You are right Barbara God always is with us wherever we are . We have to think of that ❤
Susan Joos says : It is a glorious place! It’s so hard to imagine the building of it, without modern equipment, even😳, and yet it was built far better than many a modern building. Thank you for sharing this lovely place with us! I can only imagine what it must be like in person.
Glorious place is the word , Susan. We can only admire the cleverness and the courage of the builders of the XIII th century
Melanie Knight Funderburk says: Wow, so lovely, Michel!! 💕
Michele Devall says: What a pleasure, that we were able to view this magnificent cathedral with you! Such a happy memory, my friend.
I remember well to have visited the cathedral with you both , Michele. What a good memory!
Bonjour Papa, joli reportage sur la cathédrale. C est vrai qu elle est très belle.. Bonne soirée je vous embrasse bien fort Carole
Une cathédrale de même style gothique en Artois est celle de St Omer
What a wonderful history and the age of the church, it is still used today. It is a beautiful church. Thanks for sharing Michel.
This cathedral shows our faith is rooted in a far past , Marilyn.
Gayle Smith says: Beautiful cathedral! Imagine being 800 years old! The oldest thing in the US is only about 450 years old……love European history!
Of course , Gayle US are younger than Europe which is younger than Middle Eastern and Eastern countries. ❤
Amazing, Michel. What awe, yet humbleness one must feel when worshiping in such a cathedral. When our grandson attended Duke University here in the U.S., we visited him once. He took us to see the “chapel” on the campus. It certainly is not as old, or as impressive as your cathedral, but was impressive to us, and reminded us of the European cathedrals we have seen pictures of. While we were there, a small choir came in to practice—maybe 8 or 10 people, and we were amazed at how their sound resonated throughout the whole place, and they sounded like a much larger group! Very moving! God was certainly looking over your cathedral during the war!! ❤
Nancy and Ken
This chapel looks like a large church , Nancy and Ken., I imagine it was very impressive . The choir in rehearsal added a supplement to the sacred ambiance. ❤
Mornin Glorie! one day I would love to see it in person and what an honor for you and Janine to be such an integral part of such a sacred place! I read Nancy and Ken’s comment, My son Matthew was at Duke University Hospital for four weeks before he passed and I went to the Chapel they spoke of on Sundays while we were there, it was indeed a beautiful place full of the spirit and I felt safe there in a time of turmoil. ILYM and pray for your health always!
What a terrible loss, Marsha This is awful . I imagine that standing and praying in this chapel must bring some peace . And what a coincidence Nancy speaks of this chapel just in her comment above ! ❤
When I visited St Paul’s Cathedral in London last month along with three other churches, I was in total awe of the size, history, and impeccable skill in the design and construction. We don’t have this kind of history in our architecture in the US, so I savored it in London. It would be so lovely to visit this cathedral in Amiens!
Thank you also for sharing these beautiful views.
Yes Marica England also owns gorgeous cathedrals . Besides at the Middle Age the history of France and England are narrowly linked .
I count myself very lucky to visit this wonderful Cathedral , with you as guide as well 🙂 . The light show was magnificent 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am glad, Julie, you keep good memories of your visit !
Little (maybe none) of public architecture nowadays is designed to bring people together around something beyond themselves.
In the movie Mindwalk, about the politician, the writer, and the scientist who meet for a day at Mont St. Michel, the politician and the writer go into the cathedral, and the politician says, — Can’t you just feel the place watching you? It makes you feel pretty small. His friend answers, — It was supposed to. The individual in the human body was supposed to feel small, dwarfed, denied all independent existence.
— We lost some of the sense of being all one, but we got our freedom. That’s not a bad trade-off.
— I don’t know. I still don’t know if we haven’t lost more than we’ve gained. All I ever hear anybody talk about today is themselves.
I hope your health issues are under control, Michel. I was distressed to hear that the catheter would remain for some time before the procedure. I know what constant discomfort can do to the psyche : it needn’t be extreme, just unremitting. We’re thinking of you!
When you see the crowd gathered in the cathedral you have the impression of seeing the united humanity but one may wonder if this is not just individuals juxtapposed ?
About my health , I hope it will be better next year. Thanks to ask, Neil
Well, a connection starts with being juxtaposed, I guess. How to go on to make contact—in the world outside we are sort of losing that, it seems.
You are right, Neil. A lot of people still give the example of human solidarity and in the cathedral , the crowd was of course in connection.
In my previous reply I was excessive 🙂
It’s truly a large and majestic building!
Yes Suzy n this cathedral is a wonder.
such exquisite beauty and your strong faith shines right through … enjoy your celebrations ❤
I am glad you enjoy this beutiful building, Kate .
indeed 🙂
It’s renown is worldwide , Kate ❤
bonjour Michel,
nos cathédrales sont maintenant de très vieilles dames mais comme elles sont majestueuses
Tu en parles très joliment Michel de celle d’Amiens.
On se demande toujours comment les compagnons du devoir ont pu construire de tels édifices à l’époque souvent avec des outils rudimentares
J’admire particulièrement les vitraux dans les cathédrales avec les lumières qui y jouent.
Bon recueillement à vous dans cette cathédrale !
Oui, Maidy, j’ai toujours été impressionné de me trouver dans la foule dans cette immense cathédrale .
je comprends tout à fait cela Michel.
Cela fait plaisir de partager, Maidy.
https://blogmaymyo.wordpress.com/
j’ai vu aux infos les illuminations grandioses pour fêter cet anniversaire ! c’est grandiose!
bises du soir !
Oui, Maidy , il y a un beau spectacle de lumière sur la façade . Cela attire beaucoup de monde.
So lovely. We do not have any churches that can come close to that beauty or age! Wonderful that you have those feelings and share with us. Love to you, Janine and the whole family ❤
Yes , Nancy, this church is alive and talks to us . ❤
I’m finally getting caught up after my vacation. I shared this one with my husband. The consensus is that your cathedral is stunning. There is nothing in the US 800 years old. I would love to attend a Mass in that church as I’m sure it would be a moving experience!!
Yes, attend the mass in this immense vessel is impressing ,Val
Beautiful! Amazing place full of treasures! ❤
Yes there are a lot of treasures of art in this cathedral . We can pass hours to know a part of them, Rhonda.
Bonjour Mon AMI ET TA FAMILLE

Plusieurs personnes entrent dans nos vies
Certaines pour y rester et d’autres ne font que passer
Quoi qu’il en soit, elles resteront gravées dans nos mémoires
Laissant une marque ou une cicatrice dans notre cœur ou une trace de leur passage
Des portes se ferment, des cœurs se referment au fil des jours
On ne sait jamais si c’est le hasard, le destin, la chance ou le malheur
qui mettent ces personnes sur nos chemins
On sait toujours ce qu’on perd, mais jamais ce qu’on gagne
Mais le destin suit saroute
Je te souhaite une excellente et une très bonne journée ou soirée
Bisous.Bernard
Combien de personnes dans notre vie, Bernard , que nous n’ oublierons jamais ?
What wondrous architecture, Michel! You are a very excellent photographer – add that to your many other gifts of storytelling, drawing, musicianship, teaching, and so many more! The beauty of the cathedral is breathtaking! The 800th birthday of the cathedral is such a huge event to celebrate, and I’m guessing that already plans are being made for the celebrations next year. Thank you for sharing this exciting event. And I love what you shared: the true church is the people who make up the church. Blessings and love to you and Janine! ❤ Love ❤ Carolyn
Thank you Carolyn for you kind comment and all of your compliments ( not deserved ! 🙂
Yes this cathedral is beautiful and inspiring . How many generations entered it for 800 years? ❤
This Christmas should be very special indeed. 🙂 There must be nice foods and celebrations planned, too.
Christmas celebrations at the cathedral, of course, Neil !
Thank you for your comments on my bubbles and turkey memories! 🙂
How are you feeling this week?
I continue to pray for you.
(((HUGS)))
Surgeon and anesthetist this week for surgery on January 13th + dialysis, Carolyn. Thanks to ask
Vedere la cattedrale con i propri occhi nella sua maestosità anche un po’ inquietante ti fa sentire piccolo come una formica!
Bellissima!
L’arte si incontra in ogni dimensione della cattedrale, Shera;
La sua maestosità mette in soggezione, questo è stato per me : sindrome di Stendhal
Sì, ho capito.
Somehow I missed this one, I’m too dependent on notifications. How much William would have loved seeing this. It’s been so many years now since we were in France but they are some of my happiest memories. I am going to search Amiens online on December 19th to see if I can find news of the 800th anniversary celebrations.
Thank you, Michel.
❤️
What a beautiful place and how fortunate you are to be able to attend Mass there! We were fortunate to see Notre Dame before the fire, and I am happy that we did. Such grand churches are not common in the United States. We do have a beautiful cathedral in St. Paul, MN. When I was in college, I loved to go to Mass there! We still do go there occasionally, but it is about an hour and a half drive from where we live now.