Jill K H Geoffrion: Chartres Cathedral-First Approach

Approaching Chartres Cathedral: Preparing Yourself To Enter

The Rev. Jill K H Geoffrion, Ph.D.
Portrait © Marilyn Larsen

There is nothing in the world like walking up the hill from the train station in Chartres and seeing the cathedral for the first time.

WOW! Just the thought of it takes my breath away.

Chartres Cathedral First View

First view of the cathedral when walking up the hill from the train station.

Questions Worth Considering
Questions have surely come with you.
Consider these questions which are taken from
Praying the Chartres Labyrinth: A Pilgrim's Guidebook (Cincinatti: Pilgrim Press, 2006).
Cloudy Night, Chartres Cathedral

How many different ways can I answer the question, “Why have I come?”

What fears would I like to release now that I am arriving at a place that supports change?

What stories have I been telling myself about this pilgrimage?

What emotions have I not felt on my journey thus far?

How are my expectations changing?

What does it feel like to be in Chartres?

Circumambulating

How do you ready yourself to enter
the “destination” of your pilgrimage?

There is a moment of arrival,
but there is also a process of arriving.

Many religious traditions encourage the practice
of circling a holy site before entering it.

Orient yourself
by slowly walking around the outside of the cathedral.

Embrace your sense of wonder!

Entering
Once you have prepared yourself, it is time to enter…

Chartres Cathedral West Doorways
West Portal, Chartres Cathedral

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