Ascension in Santiago

Yesterday was the great feast of the Ascension. In Santiago, this is a three day celebration commencing on Ascension Thursday and running through the end of Saturday. We went to the noon Mass at the Cathedral. An amazing children’s choir sang the Mass parts in polyphony. The Archbishop himself presided, and in his homily he addressed the faithful in at least six languages that I counted. The Mass itself self was absolutely beautiful.

In contrast to the Pilgrims’ Mass we attended the day before, the place was absolutely packed – standing room only. And it was one of six masses scheduled that day in the cathedral.

The three great plazas is surrounding the cathedral all had stages erected in them, with music and dancing. It seemed like there were festival vendors down every street and alley.

Santiago knows how to throw a party for the Lord!

In the afternoon, some of us toured the extensive cathedral museum. It features art from all periods of the cathedral’s construction and use. For me, the highlights included the medieval sculpture of Master Mateo, who was the chief architect and designer of the cathedral throughout much of the 12th century, the library, the relic chapel, and the great banner that flew over Don Juan of Austria‘s flagship at the battle of Lepanto.

No photos of the Mass, obviously.