by Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2025
In tribute to Paris’ Sacré-Coeur, the Sacred Heart of Christ Basilica
and site of the world’s longest unbroken prayer chain,
interceding for Christ’s forgiveness continuously since 1885
First published in Soul Poetry, Prose & Arts Magazine (Winter 2026 Issue)
Climbing limestone steps
with a calcite gleam,
I beheld a site
as from a childhood dream
of white gleaming domes
topped by regal spires —
towering over hills,
mounted horse and sire.
Below Joan of Arc,
brandishing a sword,
I could hear her cries —
fighting for her Lord.
As I neared arched doors,
sounded from tall tower,
resonating bells —
pealing with great power.
As I stepped forward
entering the nave,
joining heads bowed down
hands folded, eyes grave,
the Spirit of God,
seemed to hover near,
as the risen Christ
from above appeared —
on mosaic tiles,
in triumphant pose,
His heart beating gold,
offering saints repose.
Gazing at windows
stained by colored glass
hues danced in sunlight
as priests offered Mass.
After Mass I rose
and walked to the crypt,
where a grieved mother
held her Son in her grip.
Touched, I knelt and prayed —
that God’s healing grace
would save countless souls,
by love, in this place.
When I rose to leave,
I saw a nun in prayer,
her face streaming tears
that were hard to bear;
then it dawned on me…
this is Sacré-Coeur —
where the heart of Christ
makes our hearts beat pure.