Stripling Warriors' Mom: Reference of Trip made in 1970 with Bueltio

Thursday, October 29, 2009

El Cubilete Cristo Rey

This is an actual place where my grandfather, Ricardo, Linda and I visited on our way to the City of Guanajuato.
Cristo Rey / El Cubilete--article I found online guanajuatocapitolcity.com

This shrine crowns the mountain Cerro del Cubilete, 2,579 meters (8,460 feet) above sea level. One of Mexico's most important religious monuments, it marks the geographical center of our country.

Cristo Rey The site was originally home to a Christ the King statue of lesser size, which was destroyed in an air raid during the height of what is known as the "Cristero War", the last stage of armed conflict in the Mexican Revolution.

The current building which serves as a base for the gigantic statue was built by Nicolas Mariscal in 1944. Mariscal had previously built another chapel dedicated to Christ the King which adjoins the Cathedral of León. The entire building, and the image of Christ as well, are art deco in design. This is evident in the floor plan, the façade, and in the construction materials used.

Inside, the altar table rests upon a circular platform of three steps. Above this table hangs a grand metallic crown, symbol of royalty, accenting the circular ceiling vault of rings and arches. Thin Cali marble plaques adorn the vault's hollows, allowing natural light to filter in.

Seen from the outside, the building is the base for the statue of Christ the King holding His arms open in sovereignty over the entire country. Two angels kneel at the statue's feet, presenting Him with a crown of thorns and a royal crown. From the plaza at the foot of the shrine, one can enjoy wide-open vistas of the Guanajuato plains. The air is pure and one feels a certain mystical comfort.

Linda, Buelito and I also visited a place called Sta Cecelia, a Catholic convent close to Guanajuato. It had been converted into a hotel, I believe. At least that is what I recall. Maybe Linda can clarify my facts here. I have a picture of a Guanajuato casita, but need to scan it with some other photos. As I get those done, I can post them later.

Power to Act in God's Name

I believe and know very strongly that, " A man, young or old never stands taller than when he is doing his priesthood duties or responsibilities. Be it station as a Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Elder, High Priest, Home teacher, priesthood holder husband, father, son or grandfather, Bishop, or Prophet of God. He has a mantle about him that emanates and gives him the authority to act in God's name, and uses it in righteousness. It is a blessing to him and his family. To this I know that he raises the bar in doing his duty to God and his fellow man.”

" I stand in awe of the goodness that pervades within that soul who honors and lives up to his priesthood calling with a pure heart. It is evident to me and cannot be hidden. I believe that quality shines in their countenances and His image is radiated in their face's.

Insights by Anna 11.22.09

Touch of The Master's Hand

And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
" It was battered and scarred,
Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.

"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.

Myra Brooks Welch