The scene outside Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal on Wednesday, Dec. 10, as people await the funeral of Montreal Canadiens great Jean Béliveau. (Photo: Jillian Page)
The scene outside Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal on Wednesday, Dec. 10, as people await the funeral of Montreal Canadiens great Jean Béliveau. (Photo: Jillian Page)

Not that I am religious, but I am spiritual and I do pray.

The church — Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral — where Jean Béliveau’s funeral was held today is where I often go to pray. I’ve been praying and meditating there regularly since 2008, when I went through one of the most trying times of my life.

The church has several life-size historical paintings by French artist Georges Delfosse, including one that struck a chord in me. It’s of Marguerite Bourgeoys teaching her Amerindian pupils in 1694. I find myself drawn to that painting whenever I go there, as if I knew her somehow . . .

A cropped jpeg — see below — of the painting serves as my screen saver and desktop wallpaper at work.

Marguerite Bourgeoys teaches her students.
Marguerite Bourgeoys teaches her students.

How about you? Do you have a special place for prayer and meditation?

— Jillian