Au Revoir, Paris!
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Bonjour, friends!! I am back from a delightful week in Paris, and while I’m happy to be home, I was quite sad to leave. It was my first time there, and the city is one of my very favorites now! Biking through the streets past the most gorgeous buildings, eating so many frites I’m surprised I didn’t turn into one, and getting to be in the midst of the Olympic excitement was all a dream. One of my favorite parts about traveling in Europe (and South America…) is that there are churches EVERYWHERE. Paris was no exception – I stumbled into church after church, and was so delighted to see that the Archdiocese of Paris had leaned into the Olympics by hosting what they called the “Holy Games.” They were extending their hours, offering tons of adoration and masses in many languages, and giving out Olympics-themed bibles. |
I also made a little day trip to Lisieux to see the home of St. Therese, which did not disappoint. I was able to tour her childhood home, the parish where she grew up, and the convent where she lived and ultimately died. It was so special to walk in her footsteps and to see how many other people were there on a random rainy Tuesday to attend mass at her convent and visit her massive Cathedral on the hill.
St. Therese’s tomb, surrounded by flowers
Me in St. Therese’s family kitchen
We also did a tour of the Catacombs, which was v spooky but a good reminder to “memento mori” – remember your death. Walking among those millions of bones, looking at each skull, made me think that each one of those people had things they were worried about, anxieties they were facing, and desires in their hearts while they were alive – and now they’re all in another place. It was a good reminder to me of the fleeting nature of life and our worries and fears, and the importance to keep our eyes and hearts on heaven.
This Latin translates to “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth before the time of trouble comes”
Overall, it was such a great trip! Thank you to everyone who sent over great recs – I lit many candles and offered many prayers across France for you all (including in Lisieux, at Sacre Couer, Notre Dame des Victoires, and the Miraculous Medal church!).
Notre Dame des Victoires
The Miraculous Medal Shrine – where Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré and gave her the Miraculous Medal.
Here’s to a wonderful week for you all, and of me telling everyone I was just in Paris (don’t worry, this new personality trait will likely die down eventually!)
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m Loving Lately
French Skincare
I have a new seven-step skincare routine thanks to the gorgeous little Parisian pharmacies. I’m a fan of Embryolisse lait cream, the Caudalie Eau de beauty, and the Nuxe oils. I did fill most of my suitcase with skincare products. Oops!
After hearing a whole heck of a lot about the French Revolution (have I mentioned I was just in Paris?) I decided to dig in and get to learning, and wow what I did learn!! This two-part series on the French Revolution was very enlightening (no pun intended), and I also loved their episode on Joan of Arc! I highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun new podcast and want to learn something along the way.
Another podcast! Poco a Poco on “Desire as a Pathway”
You know I love these guys, and this episode on desire was GOLDEN. I highly recommend a listen.
Celebrating 100 podcast episodes
A couple of months ago, I released our 100th podcast episode, which had always been my goal and dream for the SundayMonday Show! My mom sent me “100” balloons to take pics to celebrate. I am not an influencer, and the photo shoot below likely makes it clear why. Thanks, Mom, for celebrating me! And if anyone in DC needs balloons of 1, 0, or 0, come on over. These things show no sign of going down anytime soon!
Prayer requests
- For my friend who is entering the Seminary in two weeks!!
- For a few friends who are pregnant
- For all those looking for work
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Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.