“We bones that are here, waiting for your bones !!!

This is from "Capela dos Ossos- The Bone Chapel" in Evora, Portugal.It was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk who, in the Counter-Reformation spirit of that era, wanted to prod his fellow brothers into contemplation and transmit the message of life being transitory. This is clearly shown in the famous warning at the entrance “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” or in English: “We bones that are here, for your bones we wait”

"Where are you going in such a hurry traveler?
Pause … do not advance your travel;
You have no greater concern,
Than this one: that on which you focus your sight.

Recall how many have passed from this world,
Reflect on your similar end,
There is good reason to reflect
If only all did the same.

Ponder, you so influenced by fate,
Among all the many concerns of the world,
So little do you reflect on death;

If by chance you glance at this place,
Stop … for the sake of your journey,
The more you pause, the further on your journey you will be."

by Fr. António da Ascenção (translation by Carlos A. Martins, CC)