Mass at the Cathedral
Altar at Saint James Cathedral, Seattle
For the last several years, I’ve been attending Ash Wednesday Mass at Saint James Cathedral in Seattle in the morning before work. Today was no exception.
Over the years, Mass attendance at the Cathedral has varied pretty wildly. I remember one year where there was nobody sitting in my pew, or in the pews in front of and behind me. Usually there are more folks, but it’s never been crowded.
This year, however, there were quite a few people there. I was actually sitting next to people! While it wasn’t packed, it had about the density we get at my parish on any given Sunday. Considering the size of the Cathedral, that’s a lot of people.
I wonder what it was about this particular Lent that has brought them?
Lady Chapel at Saint James Cathedral
While I have many architectural issues with the “renovation” done at the Cathedral in the 1990s, the two side chapels are simply amazing. I have spent much time in prayer in both of them over the years.
The “burning bush” tabernacle in the Eucharistic chapel takes a little getting used to, but it has moved me through consolation into the depths of prayer. I wish they’d commission some piece of fresco or mosaic behind it, as it does seem a little small in that space.
About the Lady chapel, however, I’ve no complaints, no not one. It is sublime.
Virgin and Child
I’ve often wondered what the artist meant to convey with the enigmatic expression on the face of the child Jesus. Is He stern? Sad? Pouty?
It’s very difficult to tell, and it seems to be different depending on one’s physical relation to the statue. Hmm. Maybe that’s the point.
I must apologize for the poor quality of the photos – I’ve never really gotten the hang of taking pictures with my iPhone.
Today’s collect:
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting
this campaign of Christian service,
so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils,
we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.