Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Pres is one of the oldest Churches in Paris and is located in the middle of one of the most exciting, interesting neighborhoods. Each time I visit Paris, I hop on the Metro and zoom over to the Church.

It’s always one of my first stops when I’m in town, primarily because I still, always light a candle there in memory of my Grandmother. I took the image shown above and tucked into the middle is one candle taller than the rest.

That one’s for you, Grandma.

On one of my visits, it was a cold, dark, and rainy day, and the Church steeple was covered in mist. I walked up to the steps and pushed against the closed front door. It was stuck, so I had to press a little harder to open the door.

Behind the door is a small vestibule before you actually enter the Church. I stood there for a moment before opening the second small door to enter. The door opened a couple of inches, and as I entered, I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

The Church was rather dark, and suddenly a ray of sunshine poured through one of the windows like a beacon directed to me. At almost the same moment, I heard an organist begin the opening notes of “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” The music became louder and louder, with notes soaring to the very top of the Church.

I was transfixed. I thought to myself: “Wow, is this a sign, or what?”

I sat down for about 20 minutes while the organist continued the practice session. During that time the music started and stopped, and each time I was stunned that for that one session there were only three people in the Church.

The organist, my Grandmother, and me.

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