Phone Photography Contest 109 | Returning Home

In this Hive series of phone photos, now in its 109th edition, I've always shared pictures of moments and places that truly inspire me. Today, I want to share once again the essence of the art and sanctity of a very special temple for me, as it's the church where I grew spiritually while contributing my musical gifts alongside my family. Just like yesterday's post, this one is about the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in San Jacinto, Aragua State, Venezuela.

As you will see below, it is one of the most beautiful places for Catholics in Aragua to meet, full of art in every sculpture, every display case, and every detail of its modern architecture.

The geometry of its architecture fascinates me! And although the walls and ceiling are white, there's so much vibrant color provided by the art in the stained-glass windows. This church is a home for my family and me, and I always have the joy of being able to wander through every corner, as it has been a place of music for the five of us. In fact, the day I took these pictures was because we were making music again, more my mom than me, but anyway, we were in the musicians' box, up at the back, where the magic flows and spreads throughout the entire space...

Although the church is a place where love and friendship should reign, many times when I go there what I need is peace and quiet for prayer and reflection, and I think this might be the only downside at Our Lady of the Assumption: everyone knows me. Everyone knows the musicians, all the groups that sing there. I even noticed that many people remembered me despite the years it's been since I've had a full musical performance, although I did sing at a wedding almost a year ago, but it was a private event. It's not a lack of manners, but if it's not the right time to make music, in this particular church I'd like to be invisible sometimes...

This year marks my 13th year living in the capital. Thirteen years where I can only return to this church when I travel, and the strangest thing is that just a couple of weeks ago I finally found a place in Caracas that makes me feel at home. But all these years it hasn't been like this; the peace and spiritual connection that Our Lady of the Assumption gives me I haven't found anywhere else. Perhaps it's because I grew up here, or because this is where I have my best memories with my family and with God, I don't know. I only know that simply standing before this imposing church makes me happy.

Thank you for reading this post to the end, and I sincerely hope you enjoyed the photos. I'm not a professional, but I put a lot of love into capturing the beauty of a temple or nature. I also invite you to join this weekly Hive Phone Photo Contest; I'm sure you'll find it as fun as all of us who participate here do. Sending you a warm hug from afar 🙏