Just as there are some moments in our lifetime that are so powerful, we are left with nothing but raw emotion. There are also certain places in our lifetime, that will affect us like no other leaving us momentarily speechless. For me, one of these places has been Valencia, Spain. Valencia differs greatly from Barcelona. Where Barcelona is sophisticated and city-fast, Valencia is charming and full of a character that makes me feel completely welcomed and as though I've found a new home. The same "Barcelona" attitude exists - living in the moment - but in Valencia it seems, that moment is somehow exaggerated in color. The city center is....alive...there are people and colors and smells and tastes. And, you simply can't drink it all in quickly enough. It is like quenching a thirst from a hose. Everywhere I turned, there was something that I wanted to photograph, to capture, to remember. However, I had a quest to accomplish in Valencia. I was in search of the Holy Grail. And I found it.
At the Cathedral of Valencia, there is a chalice that is supported by many Christian historians to be the Holy Grail - the actual chalice that Christ drank from at the Last Supper. It is said that, even in ancient times, at such a dinner where Jesus would have been guest, he would have been given the finest glass in the house. The original chalice was carved from polished agate and now forms the top of the chalice to which a gem-laden stem has been added. There is a long history of those who have cared for this chalice and how it finally came to reside in the Valencia Cathedral. The Cathedral is located in the center of the historical city, surrounded by a plaza filled with coffee shops and boutiques. You approach the front doors on a cobblestone walk. For only 5 Euro, you can purchase a ticket that will allow you access to the Chalice room, as well as an audio tour of the Cathedral itself. Of course the chalice is the highlight and you are brought there first. It resides in a small side chapel and I was able to stand only feet away from the actual Grail. Is it the actual chalice? I don't know. There is no question that it is old - historians have verified its authenticity to that of the time of Jesus. But, as I stood there looking at it, I couldn't help but think...what if it is the actual chalice? How amazing that for a walk down a cobblestone plaza and 5 euro, you can stand within feet of a cup that was once held by Christ. I spent longer in this chapel than you might imagine, taking it all in. As you leave the Chalice room, the rest of the cathedral is there before you. Originally built in the 1200's, it has been continually constructed since, and the artwork and history in each of the side chapels is worthy of many moments pause. I absorbed the entire audio tour, I captured what I could in photographs to take home with me, I lit a candle in remembrance, and I was left speechless with its beauty.
“When supper was ended he took this glorious chalice into his holy and venerable hands, giving thanks, blessed you and gave it to his disciples saying: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me."
(Eucharistic prayer I, Roman Canon. Cf. Matthew 26-29; Mark 14, 22-25, Luke 22, 1520 and I Corinthian 11, 23-25)
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we are celebrating our moments and remembering moments with those who are no longer with us to celebrate. We each likely find traditions or other ways in which to remember them. Ornaments that are placed on the tree. Our grandmother's china set on the Christmas table. A Christmas carol that we sing each year because we know how much someone else loved it. This is what we do. We remember. And we honor the memories.
I wish you and your family a Thanksgiving filled with moments worth remembering... as well as moments in which you remember and honor. Happy Thanksgiving...
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