Today was a gift. I had the unique privilege of spending the entire day in 5 beautiful downtown churches on a photo shoot with professional photographer, Josephinum seminarian, and friend, Ryan Jurden.
Shared faith makes for fast friends.
We were awestruck by how lucky we were to have the whole day to savor the beauty and majesty of the Diocese of Columbus' downtown churches -- and we can't wait to share the photos with you.
With pure sunshine, in an azure sky, it was even a a splendor to photograph outdoors at 22 degrees.
We visited St. Mary of the Assumption (German Village), Columbus St. Patrick, St. Joseph Cathedral, Holy Family and Holy Cross (the oldest Church in Columbus - founded in 1833.) We want to thank Fr. Jeff for sponsoring this project. We wish to also offer our heartfelt thanks to the pastors and parish staffers who showed us great hospitality today.
The interior of these churches is, even for a writer, beyond words. Thank goodness for pictures!
Ryan described it best as 'beauty that overwhelms the senses.' The majesty, history, tradition and obvious human care that has preserved these treasured churches made us proud to be part of the Diocese of Columbus.
For example, we were amazed at the delicate beauty of the Blessed Mother statue at St. Patrick ... and glad to spend a few minutes in prayer at the traditional communion rail in such a beautiful and peaceful place.
The solid wood Baldachino, the intricately carved detail in the wood on the Altar, and the massive wooden Crucifix at St. Mary made me thankful for the gifted hands of the craftsman.
The glory of the painting of Christ behind the Altar, the stateliness of the organ at St. Joseph Cathedral and the tradition of the Bishop's Chair made us stop and ponder ... what must it be like to be Bishop? Or to play that magnificent organ? And for Ryan, a first-year seminarian, what will it be like to serve as a Master of Ceremonies for the Bishop here?
Holy Cross is so light and bright and truly a hidden jewel with a Sanctuary and statues that take your breath away - even the ceiling was cause for awe and photographs.
At Holy Family we had the unique privilege, and challenge, of photographing reverently during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. I wondered what Jesus must be thinking as we set lights and stretched extension cords across the aisle, bowing as we worked, and all in a hush so we wouldn't bother the other adorers.
Every Sanctuary was awash in poinsettias, Christmas trees, and creches of every size and style -- we particularly enjoyed the unusual Christmas Cactus and the bird-nests-in-the-rocks in the St. Patrick creche display.
Look for Ryan to post his photos on seekholiness.com and face forward during this Octave of Christmas.
I will close with these thoughts from today:
Every day is a gift.
In each person lives Christ.
Simple moments are best.
Life and faith are intertwined.
Family and friends matter most.
Never skip dessert (especially Katzinger's cheesecake!)
