Clockwise from top left: La Basilique de Marie-Madeleine; Mary Magdalene’s statue just inside the basilica’s sanctuary; my chocolate-caramel horses; the extraordinary architecture dated back to 1000 A.D.; me happily driving in the French countryside.

In my last newsletter, I described my “HOT” French driving experience, AKA my musings on how doing for others as they would do unto you is a turn-on. I mean, everybody’s doing it! Right? The next newsletters are going to focus on what happened, hot and otherwise (but predominantly experiential), when I wasn’t driving.

In today’s newsletter, I’m going to describe my profound experience at my first stop in Vézelay, a petite ville located about 2.5 hours southeast of Paris. There I channeled stunning information from both the Basilique de Marie-Madeleine itself and Mary Magdalene (MM) herself. MM delivered one of the most beautiful messages I have yet heard, and I learned too that French basilicas can and do speak English. Who knew?

Driving to Vézelay, the countryside was rich with flowing green grass and charming stone houses; I felt very much at home. In fact, I passed a field full of horses with caramel manes and milk chocolate bodies. They were horses that I dreamed of riding when I was about six or seven. Seeing them gave me chills, and I felt I must have lived here in another life, that those were my horses.

Once I arrived at the little city, I walked up a winding stone road lined with charming boutiques and restaurants to the basilica at the top. I stopped just outside, gazing at the stature of the ancient place – the wisdom and history were palpable. (See video of the basilica here.)

Upon entering, I touched the cold stone pillars and immediately witnessed the life of the structure:

I saw and sensed that the basilica was a means of refuge from World War 2; many women and children traveled there by foot; they were scared, tears in their eyes, their heads low and covered with cloth. I could feel their pain and fear. Before that – centuries – I saw men in armor. They passed through the small village merely for food and shelter temporarily. They wore helmets from the 13-1400s, and they were not so pleasant. Finally, I saw and felt monks chanting with their palms together, cloaked heads bowed in reverence; it felt peaceful. The basilica told me of its pain, its joy, its peace – and I understood it as if it were a wise, old woman sitting in front of me with a cup of tea in a rocking chair. She was beautiful beyond earthly words.

As I continued through the church, I found a staircase leading down to what appeared to be a basement. I was told not to take pictures by both Mary and Jesus out of respect for the sacredness of the space. It felt cold, light, tranquil. I sat, closed my eyes, and listened.

Mary spoke:

“I am here. My soul is forever in the places that represent the safety of women and children. I stand in my power and wisdom over the years. Those who follow me will understand that it is not about power in the sense that we want to overcome, to conquer all, but in the sense of self-empowerment through the love of others, through the graciousness of the soul.

You have to understand that back when I lived there were many misunderstandings, and women in particular had no voice. I repeat this many times, but I do so because I want you to see that the human race has progressed. It is not a futile mission that you are on.

In regard to Jesus, when one looked in his eyes, it was like looking directly into the soul of the world. There was and still remains a softness, and unspoken understanding of what is real. And what is real is always love. All actions of benevolence, compassion, grace come from the origin of love.

If our children can learn that it is ok to be strong and yet still be loving in the end, that is what can save society and civilization in the future. It is necessary in fact.”

As I reflect back on this experience, reading her words again, I am reminded we must open up our hearts and allow our minds to follow the path of peace. We must be fully present. We must be aware of our judgment and return to the origins of love… and we must forgive both ourselves and others when we are human. Still learning all of this. You?

Please share these words with those who have begun this journey – or who have been on it for some time looking for further affirmation of Truth, peace and love.

Love you all dearly,
Jess