Church of St. Gabriel
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Sun 23 Jun 2013 22:37
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Our Visit to the Church of Saint Gabriel, Taravai
Island
The church we saw
as we entered the fairway when we sailed in to the Gambiers.
On our way to visit the church on the island.
An impressive
gateway.
We were struck by the immaculately kept gardens.
Next to the
church was the presbytery. Up close showing
signs of age and neglect.
Always a treat to find the door
unlocked to a place of worship. Especially to such a
gem.
Bear didn’t know what the Sacred Hearts were, I’ll keep to myself what he suggested
they looked like............
The altar looked
resplendent.
The prayer
books looked incredible in Tahitian. Mangarevan has loads of K’s (Valerie
told us later).
Sadly the carpet
and flooring was worn and a pile of sand by the
altar.
The sanctuary
lamp in the corner, broken windows and a Station of the Cross dead in the
sacristy.
Station XI had a
nest.
Shades of class remain, in this
welcoming atmosphere, but, no services have been held here for two years. We
hope the building is renovated before it gets too late.
ALL IN ALL HANGING ON TO
DIGNITY
BEAUTIFUL BUT SLIGHTLY
SAD |