#AHaLoInEurope: The Black Madonna in Mystical Montserrat

 

Traveling broadens your horizon. It enriches your mind and your spirit. But traveling uses up a lot of your time and treasure. It would be a waste if you missed something on your trip you should’ve seen or experienced. It happened to me several times and I regretted that so much. If you’re planning a trip, I’d like to help you avoid missing out. So, let my blog show you what to look out for. Prepare for your trip by traveling with me through this post. Or you might still be in the praying and dreaming stage. Manifesting your dream into reality starts here!

A Happy Solo in Montserrat, Spain

 

Some mountains inspire legends and folklore. Secrets supposedly hidden in their caves and crevices create an air of mystique. One such mountain is Montserrat. It exudes an air of otherworldliness. Tales of witches and fairies linked to the mountain add to its enchantment. It is not called Magic Mountain for no reason. It is even believed that somewhere within its peaks, the Holy Grail lies concealed.

 

The unique jagged rock formations from which it got its name (Montserrat literally translates to “serrated or saw-toothed mountain”) feel forbidding yet it inspires thought and spirituality. A clear depiction of this is the monument by Josep Maria Subirachs on the cliff face called “Stairway to Heaven”. The nine concrete blocks in helical form represent the philosopher Ramon Llull’s thoughts on creation and the stages of existence. It is both simple and profound.

 

The closeness of the mountain’s lofty heights to the heavens inspire mysticism. Hermits and monks who have made their home in its crags add to the air of piety.

Viewpoint of the Abbey of Montserrat 

 

Our pilgrimage destination for the afternoon we were there was the Abadia de Montserrat or Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a Benedictine monastery.

 

The abbey’s Basílica de Montserrat is where pilgrims have trooped to for centuries to venerate the Black Madonna.

Plateresque Revival Facade of the Basilica with Jesus & the 12 Apostles

 

The basilica’s nave is the only part of the monastery that survived a fire in 1808.

 

It holds within its heart a precious treasure, the Crucifix of Montserrat, an ivory piece sculpted by Michelangelo.

 

Enshrined in the basilica’s Throne Room is Our Lady of Montserrat. It is an ancient wooden statue believed to be carved by St. Luke, taken to Spain by St. Peter and hidden in a cave during the Moorish occupation. However, it is also claimed that the Romanesque sculpture is likely from the 12^th century. Legend has it that two children found the image in one of the caves now called Santa Cueva.

 

The image is one of the Black Madonnas of Europe, more familiarly known in Catalan as La Moreneta ("the little dark-skinned one"). She sits holding the Christ child on an ornate throne covered in Venetian mosaics. The image is protected by glass except for a small hole where pilgrims can touch her hand holding a globe.

 

Miracles have been attributed to the Black Madonna. That’s why after exiting the Chamber of the Virgin, many pilgrims petition for her intercession by lighting votive candles in the Camí de l’Ave Maria (Ave Maria’s Path). The colors of the candles represent different intentions – healing, protection, overcoming challenges.

 

Another belief that adds to Montserrat’s mystique is that it is an

energy vortex and the Circular Mosaic in the Atrium outside the basilica is a nexus point where the earth’s energy flows freely.

 

A visit to Montserrat calms the soul and connects one to the divine. It’s a mystical trek I’m blessed to have taken.

 

Tips for visitors:

1.   Take a leisurely walk from the bus park to the abbey. The uphill path has a gentle slope and there’s much to see – shops, restaurants, even local vendors on the sidewalk selling goodies like fruit and nut-filled turrones (nougat). And the walk will only take you 10 minutes.

 

2.   If you’re tired on the way back, take the free shuttle. But do beware if there are people not in your group. One of my co-pilgrims almost got pickpocketed.

 

3.   If you’re into art, feast your eyes on the artwork that is plentiful in the abbey. Notice the fine craftsmanship in the building like these doors of repoussé (hammered into relief from the reverse side) silver.

 

4.   Most importantly, don’t forget to ask for La Moreneta’s intercession. It is a rare privilege to be able to pray in front of the Madonna and Christ child’s image.

 

5.   Stand in the center of the mosaic in the Atrium. If you’re lucky, you might feel the vibrations.

*Credit to my roomie Leni for my photo with the Black Madonna.