Most cathedrals did not stand alone
when they were originally constructed.
They were one part of a larger monastery complex.
The other parts included the monks’ residences,
a dining room and kitchen facilities,
meeting rooms and storerooms.
In the middle of this compound, uniting it all, was the cloister.
Usually this was a four-sided, semi-enclosed structure,
built around an open garden.
The cloister helped keep the monks secluded from the world,
while giving them access
to a bit of the natural world.
The cloister also protected them from the elements
as they moved from one part of the monastery to another.
Not uncommonly monks used this space for quiet contemplation.
This photograph shows one corner of the cloister
at the cathedral in Norwich, England,
its windowed door opening out.
The original door would have been very heavy,
made of thick, solid wood,
serving to both protect and isolate this area inside,
as well as whoever used this area.
What are we to make of today’s flimsy door?
Is it designed to let the outside in?
Or is it readily releasing what’s inside
so it can infuse the world?
I hold that if you gaze into this photograph long enough,
you’ll know.
March 21, 2011 at 11:53 pm |
I love this photo. I am grateful to have one in the series.
The one I have is the small table in a chapel I think, and there are
candles on the table, marking the prayers of pilgrims. It calls me
to prayer and stirs my heart. This place and these arches speak of
all the doors that come up in our lives, and the strong solid door is
ajar calling us in. Thanks.