The Rev. Dr. John Toles
Room 2108, the brown chair.
Just for the record, I don’t go out every day to a church to pray my rosary, but I do pray every day. The location does not affect the intention or effectiveness of prayer. It is nice though to be in holy places where the saints of God have been praying  for centuries. 
St. Olav Domkirke
It was on the way to where I was headed, so I returned to St. Olav’s. Several women were praying the Rosary together when I entered. I believe they were Korean, so although I recognized the pattern of their prayers, I did not understand the words. I began to pray silently, then another woman came and sat in front of me. She began to pray quietly in Norwegian. All these languages–a Pentecost of sorts–praising God.
St. Olav Domkirke
I was very disappointed when I arrived, because I couldn’t find a door that was open. Then I followed some people around who knew the way and found a backdoor where you were allowed entry.
The Roman Catholic community is very small in this primarily protestant country.
There was even a relic of Saint Olav.
Today, I attended Mass at the Oslo Domkirke (Cathedral), built between 1694-97, restored in 2010. As you approach from the front, you encounter the massive bronze doors depicting the Beatitudes. Across the top reads “Salice er,” “Blessed are….” Just to the right of the doors is “The Devil of Oslo,” a sculpture showing a man being consumed by evil, represented by a lion and a dragon. It was created in the 12th century and found in the ruins of St. Hallvard’s Cathedra.
Entering the sanctuary, I was bit surprised. I had anticipated it would be much more austere, and although not as ornate as many of the churches I’ve seen, it was still quite ornate and beautiful.
The service was in Norwegian, so I again did not understand a word of it; even so, it was very edifying, and I found myself feeling immensely blessed as I left. I took a minute to visit with the Pastor who was delighted to learn that I was a priest. He stated that much of their liturgy is based on the Anglican tradition. Even though I did not understand it all, I knew parts and definitely the rhythm. It was a well-ordered service and “polite”—that was the impression for me.
I intentionally arrived an hour early so that I could pray my Rosary. I did not expect there to be a statue of Mary, but…
This was by far the most meaningful of all the Rosaries I’ve prayed on this journey. I was finally able to experience His presence more deeply. Perhaps I’m finally feeling rested and at peace instead of being rushed and pushed.
Outside the cathedral is a memorial to the 77 people who were murdered on July 22, 2011, by a domestic terrorist. The marker reads,
On 22 July 2011, an act of terrorism ended the lives of 77 persons in Norway. In a spontaneous act of solidarity, thousands of people laid down roses in front of Oslo Cathedral. Inspired by this sea of roses, artists Tobbe Malm and Tone Karlsrud initiated a project in which smiths from all over the world, survivors and others affected by the attack were invited to forge roses from iron. Iron Roses is a memorial from the people, for the people.
Iron Roses created by
Tobbe Malm and MDH Arkitekter
2019
The city is quiet today, with the exception of many tourists pulling suitcases to the train station, so I plan to open the windows of my room, read a little and continue writing on the new novel. Did I mention I was working on a new project? It’ll be quite different than what I’ve done before. The first chapter is only three sentences long: “No one claimed responsibility, and the nuclear blast left no evidence. Those who died in the initial blast and from the fallout were the fortunate ones. Those who survived lived and died in great horror.” The working title is Triskelion.
Perhaps I also forgot to mention that I have a new book coming out early fall. It is not a Father Anthony, but maybe you’ll enjoy. I think I’ve got the cover about right…
Farvel for nå.
El Monasterio de Bargota
All that remains of this 12th century monastery are a few cut stones, and I had to walk an extra mile to get to it, but… it was as though I were surrounded by these monks from 900 years ago and we were praying as one. A beautiful place.
And the stained glass windows were lovely
Iglesia del Crucifijo de Puente la Reina
From the sign in front: The primitive temple of Santiago was Romanesque, exactly from the 12th century.
Church of San Ignacio Chapel of Perpetual Adoration. The Blessed Sacrament was on the altar, and so had a time of adoration as well. 
Basílica de la Trinidad de Arte. I actually stopped about an hour before I arrived at my final location. This church was built in the 12th century, although it has been renovated extensively since then. It’s quite small but beautiful. It was also about 20° cooler in there than it was outside.
The picture is not mine, but there is a bridge that crosses the river right there at the church.
The backyard. I did find the church, but it was closed. There was really nowhere nearby to pray, so I came back to my room and sat in the backyard. There’s worse things that could happen.
Candle in a Cave 