I am not a regular in church, but today I felt I had to go to the cathedral for some sense in my life.

How often do you go looking for that inner peace and actually find it ?

Have you even noticed the only outside noise you can hear is the supertram from inside. This is the first visit after living here for 17 years and its amazing.
I have never seen windows quite like those inside and the peace you feel, you don`t feel you are intruding on anybody or anything.

I came out feeling I had sorted some stuff out and at peace.

I know nothing about the catherdral but will find out about it now.

Hi Rosie, I know what you mean, its an awsome place, I am not a church goer, but I used to go there as a teenager sometimes for the same reason, I then got married there!

That must have been nice to get married in there.

Sheffield Cathedral is magnificent.

I trot in there reasonably regularly to have soem quiet time. It's amazing when you walk in there and the sounds of the outside world just fade away.

After 10 minutes in there I can forget the outside world altogether.

And there are some fascinating bits of history on the walls.

Joe

I know this is off topic slightly but isn't this another example of how science has given us the illusion of progress when in fact they have just made things worse. How many buildings, since the cathedral was built, have been built with the same concern for human beings? Both cathedrals have an unbelievable sense of tranquillity. I know we can’t build all buildings on this scale but we could do so much better than the boxes we build for ourselves. I live in an ex-factory and in my place there are split levels and walls that are so thick you can’t hear neighbours or the traffic outside. It makes a lot of difference. :D

Sheffield Cathedral is a wonderful place.

It almost feels like you can step out of time in it - you can forget your everyday life and troubles for a while and just let a sense of peace and tranquillity wash over you.

I've spent times in there after a couple of bereavements in the last few years, and it really does seem to help, even if it's just for a while. It's so peaceful to light a candle and sit there quietly for half an hour or so, just watching the candle flickering. It's always made me feel closer to the loved one I've lost.

It's very calming and dignified.

StarSparkle

PS I showed my Dad round the Cathedral when he came to stay a couple of years ago and it made a huge impression on him. He still talks about it to me - it's what he seems to remember most about Sheffield.

Try this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/fun/360/sheffield_cathedral_pulpit.shtml) :)

StarSparkle

It was just the place for me today. I needed to be close to someone and I felt I did.

It was so beautiful and peaceful and I felt I actually belonged there.

I'm right in thinking that its opne all day? Is the catholic cathedral as well.

I am not religious but love religous buildings.

Peaceful.

Not open all day, everyday - I've fund a few occasions when it's been closed earlier than I would have expected. But open most of the time.

I'm not sure about the Catholic Cathedral.

As was pointed out, we lack the foresight to build places like this today. They're 'sacred spaces' in the truest sense of the word.

Even for those who aren't formally religious, these places bring out the spiritual side of us all.

Joe

The cathedral is a wonderful oasis of calm in a noisy and busy city centre.

Mostly it's full of people having a quite moment of prayer (or whatever you want to call it) but other times, some lunchtimes, there are musicians.

I like the ornate graves at the back right of the building which tend to be highly lit.

And I'm always facinated by the slightly raised place on the left which has fence (not right word) made out of swords.

If you go down some steps, there are two more chapels at the lower level.

I have never found the place closed, but I only tend to be in town in the middle of the day.

And I've always found the Catholic cathedral open as well.

It is different in atmosphere and usually less busy but still a very pleasant place to visit for a few minutes.

Whatever your stance on religion, if you can stand in the cathedral and enjoy peace, then it can only be good for you! I absolutely love the place.

This is to me what Christianity (or religion) is all about. That inner calm, the silence and the opportunity to just spend time with yourself. (Although a Christian is never alone in a church.)

Go and light a candle. Honestly, this is the ultimate stress-buster. Light a candle, say whatever you need to say (whether it be addressed to God is up to you) and let that candle be a sign of what it is you're either asking for or letting go of (but I've got to be frank here, placing it infront of God Almighty seems to have more effect).

I've been in many a church and lit candles simply to say 'Thank You' for my girls, my home, my wife, my business and my health. To then walk away from the oasis of calm, back to the rush and push of reality, but to keep looking back and seeing that my prayer is still there (the flickering candle) is just beautiful.

Light a candle for a lost one. You will find an inner calm. Religious or otherwise, I believe you will walk out of that place feeling a whole lot better.

Originally posted by dishwasher
And I'm always facinated by the slightly raised place on the left which has fence (not right word) made out of swords.

If you go down some steps, there are two more chapels at the lower level.


the raised area is St Georges chapel and down the steps are the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the crypt

personally i love the crypt because as its the most out of the way place its always very quiet, feels my own personal chapel :)

dave

Originally posted by alchemist
the raised area is St Georges chapel and down the steps are the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the crypt

personally i love the crypt because as its the most out of the way place its always very quiet, feels my own personal chapel :)

dave

So, can you just go in there and explore the different bits? Might go during lunch time.

me too - am off to town in a bit as meeting someone at 2pm. |Have been to the Cathedral a few times before. My daughter used to sing in the Cathedral choir.

As the sun has gone in, I may sack off the idea of sunbathing during lunch and do a tour of the 2 cathedrals. I've only just worked out where the Catholic one is. About a minute from where I work and I walk passed it every day. Didn't realise it was a cathedral.

I didn't get to stay in the Anglican one very long because they were having a recital and I was asked to leave. Checked out the Catholic one. It's quite modest but beautiful all the same. Smells really nice too. Will have to go back to the Anglican again and have a proper explore.

I really like the crypt part of the anglican cathedral, it's small and dimly lit and feels very secluded, in fact it's so secluded i often sit on the little carpet in front of the alter just being still.
In todays day and age it is easy to understand why churchesare often locked and inaccessible but another favorite of mine is the church by the side of the Hallamshire hospital as again it's a place of peace and tranquility.

Whatever floats your boat. .. I find the place cold and unwelcoming and reeking of hundreds of years of hypocrisy, fear mongering and oppression. Never liked churches or marching off to religious assembly then doing science classes! Never go down town so don't require stress relief either.

Well dont you live in the perfect world.

really? thanks!

Originally posted by Aaarrrggghhh
really? thanks! I like aaarrrggghh his uncontrolled anger is funny. I know what you mean argh but I dont think a place can be blamed for the hypocrisy of the former or the current occupiers. You can come to town with me if you like; we could have some killer times with your anger and my sarcasm!:D :D :cool: :cool: :D :cool:

Why can`t people stick to what is being said.

I posted the thread because at that particular time in my life having never been in the Cathedral I wanted to inform others how peaceful it was.

Fine if its not your thing but remember what the thread is about please.

Originally posted by rosie
Why can`t people stick to what is being said.

I posted the thread because at that particular time in my life having never been in the Cathedral I wanted to inform others how peaceful it was.

Fine if its not your thing but remember what the thread is about please.

that makes little sense? how have we gone off thread? - appart from now:D