Finding Comfort While Studying Abroad in Prague: My Spiritual Home at St. Thomas Church
Welcome to my favorite place in Prague: St. Thomas Church! This place is where languages blend, hearts connect, and every soul finds a sense of belonging despite origins, race, or ethnicity. For me, a study abroad student who is navigating the busy streets of Prague, this sacred space has become my home—a haven where I am embraced by the warmth of community, acceptance, and love.
Dobré ráno from Prague! Join me on my Sunday journey to St. Thomas Church in Prague 7. Sundays are sacred to me as they bring the comforting routine of attending church, a tradition I hold dear. My friend Elisabet, also studying with CEA CAPA, accompanies me for this meaningful part of our week.
I adore tram #23—it's my reliable ride to where I need to be. Though since it runs every 17 minutes, catching it can be tricky. But luck was on our side today as we hopped aboard this beautiful vintage tram, whisking us away for about 30 minutes to Prague 7, Malostranská.
Look at the view from our tram! With the weather turning beautiful in Prague, the riverbanks are bustling with people soaking up the sun. The influx of tourists is no surprise, given Prague's undeniable charm. I love the scenery from the tram—it's truly indescribable.
My parish serves three different communities: English, Spanish, and Filipino. At first, I did not know of any churches in Prague, but I took it upon myself to look up Spanish-speaking churches near me on Google and happened to find this one. I feel blessed to have been able to encounter this parish. For any students looking for religious services, start by looking it up on Google and give it a shot by attending at least one service; you don’t lose anything by trying!
On Sunday mornings, I make my way to St. Thomas Church, in the heart of our city; it’s right by Charles Bridge. As I enter, I'm greeted by a chorus of voices speaking Spanish—a beautiful reminder of the diversity of our congregation. I join the Spanish-speaking community, where the familiar sounds of my native tongue give me comfort.
We've arrived. The church's architecture is stunning from the outside, but even more breathtaking within. My camera struggles to capture the grandeur of Saint Thomas Parish.
Welcome to St. Thomas Church, my sanctuary away from home. Words fail to convey the majesty of the architecture inside. Though overwhelmed by the abundance of gold at first, I've come to appreciate how each detail tells a unique story. The sunlight streaming in during ceremonies only enhances the beauty of this sacred space.
St. Thomas Church is not just a place of worship; it's where I find my family away from home. As a member of the choir, I'm not only singing hymns; I'm expressing my gratitude, pouring my heart into God who I believe unites us all. The music always fills the parish, lifting spirits, and binding us together in a unique moment of joy and devotion. Through the lens of my camera, I capture the essence of St. Thomas Church—the rays of sunlight that make the parish glow like no other.
Please enjoy these images as it’s the place where I come to find peace, to seek solace, and to renew my spirit. And as I share this visual journey with you, I hope you'll experience the same sense of warmth and belonging that I've found within these hallowed walls. For in St. Thomas Church, we're not just individuals; we're a family bound together by love, faith, and the simple joy of being together!
Today's sermon centered around the theme of 'mercy,' beautifully depicted in the painting adorning the church dome—a representation that resonated deeply with me. As someone who finds solace in visual aids, I felt a connection to the message conveyed.
Now that mass has concluded, let me show you some of my favorite spots in the parish. First, this homage to Mary and baby Jesus, alongside a portrait of Jesus.
My second cherished spot is the depiction of Mother Teresa. As she's my confirmation saint, her representation holds immense significance for me.
Time to head home. We'll catch tram #22, which will drop us off near our flat. This square can become lively, especially being close to the Charles Bridge.
As we near our flat, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to readers for joining me on my typical Sunday. Church holds profound meaning for me, and I'm endlessly thankful for discovering this special place in Prague.