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There’s a special place I flee to when the world becomes too much. I’ve discussed it before, Einsiedeln. It’s home to one of Europe’s many Black Madonnas.

I went there Friday to clear my head. It was a fabulously, gloriously bright sunny day. I’d just taught two intense lessons and needed to get away.

It’s interesting how the vibe changes once you step inside. Outside, you’re almost attacked by the sounds of cars driving down the main street and tourists. Once you step inside the doors of the church, Solitude wraps her arms around you. You can think. You can walk. You can just “be”.

Silence is beautiful.

I arrived just as one of the late masses was beginning, held in the special chapel built for the Madonna at the front of the church. I walked to the pews, knelt and sat.

Funny. Even though I follow a different path than the people who were observing mass, I felt a connection with them.

Perhaps when all souls come together to honor and to worship the divine, it doesn’t matter what name you call Her by.