a little pilgrimage

 We went on a little field trip to the cathedral in the city, a pilgrimage. 

I had been there for Sunday mass a few times - it's a modern-looking place. But I learned something years ago from watching Sister Wendy's art series on tv. You can just say you don't like a certain painting, or artist, or style, or you can learn something about it, the history of it, and at least have an appreciation and a respect for it. And so, I went on this bus ride with a little group from church. 

old bishop's crozier

A cheerful and friendly priest met us there, and took us all around in an unhurried way, showing us all sorts of things I hadn't seen before. It must have taken an hour, but I didn't look at my watch.

this sort of thing always seems medieval to me - not sure why

The stained glass was all made in France.

It wasn't all so modern, though.

There were a few of these along the sides.

These windows do not have metal in between the colors, as most do, but concrete. The original church was destroyed by a fire, and they were determined to make this new place as fireproof as possible. The pews are wood, but that's about all.

Fr. M. was a well-informed guide. There are several side chapels, and he pointed out some patterns in the marble floor.

This is not a whimsical addition, but a real snail fossil in the stone!  St. Patrick has one of the little chapels.

 This statue seems quite old to me -

this is in the sacristy

This is behind the altar

I find it touching. Judgment Day.

the Just Judge

He heard confessions afterward, and then it was time for the noon mass. 

And home, with quiet spirits.

"The jubilee calls for us to set out on a journey and to cross boundaries. When we travel, we don not only change place physically, but we also change ourselves."