human
It is very solemn--isn't it?
gpt
It is really moving, even while you have no sympathy with the church which makes these displays.
human
I think I was never more moved in my life than I was by the chanting of those priests. But what is the occasion of all this?
gpt
I don't know; except that this is some saint's day--St. James, I believe; but there is something of this kind in Brussels nearly every Sunday; and I have seen several minor displays in the streets in the evening.
human
I am surprised to see how much respect the people pay to their religion. If they have these displays often, I should think they would become stale.
gpt
It appears they do not. I have a great deal more consideration and respect for these exhibitions in Belgium than in some other parts of Europe, for the reason that all religions enjoy the utmost toleration here. The people are almost exclusively Catholic, and yet they permit Protestants and Jews entire freedom in the exercise of their religion, and pay them their fair share of the government money.