I didn’t realize how cold St. Louis can be!!!
When I left Laredo, it was a balmy 69 degrees (7:45AM). Now, we are at 35 degrees.
I managed to catch daily Mass at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. Y’all were right about the mural. It is beautiful. We had about five people for Mass on Thursday and about eight for First Friday.
I managed to make it to the Gateway Liturgical Conference (the topics at my work-related conference had nothing to do with our program so I had free time). Let me tell you, it was the best $40 investment I had ever made as far as the Liturgy is concerned. Archbishop Malcolm Rajith, the Secretary for the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments made some very powerful statements, especially where ad orientsum was concerned. This particular subject didn’t sit too well with some of the participants, but, the seminarians were clapping.
He also talked about how the priests need to immerse themselves into Christ and not get creative. The seminarians were also applauding. When I get back, I’ll go into more detail about what he said. I also got to talk to him about the issue of sacred music and other matters.
Morning prayer was beautiful. Fr. Samuel Webber, OSB, the director of the Office of Music for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, served as the principle cantor and he was assisted by two seminarians (at least that is how it appeared to me). I got to have lunch with him and enjoy a delightful conversation on sacred music and the problems with the contemporary stuff. He certainly had a lot to say. I also got to meet y’all’s Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Hermann, as well as Helen Hitchcock, from Adoremus. She was also at my table during lunch.
The chapel where we had morning prayer was beautiful. I think it is the old seminary chapel. I took pictures (and had my picture taken with the Archbishop, who was most gracious).
I also attended a seminar on the New Translations, sitting next to someone with a LifeTeen portfolio. Agapewolf, was that you? I was going to introduce myself, but was a little nervous because if it wasn’t you, I didn’t want to weird the fellow out.
I think, though, that my comments would have given myself away, since they were similar to what I’ve been posting. When I get back home, I will also post some observations on the presentation.
I walked into the Old Cathedral. It is beautiful. The mural above the altar was gorgeous, as were the statues. I wish we could have stayed for Mass. I also walked into St. Francis Xavier (College) Church. I was disappointed with the fact that the Tabernacle was hard to find. I felt like St. Mary Magdalene (They have taken my Lord; where have they placed him). The church, itself, is a magnificent structure, but the chairs in the back were a little disconcerting. I had to make the visit quick because of a wedding.
Tomorrow my coworker and I are going to Mass at the Cathedral Basilica. I am really looking forward to this! Thanks to all who have been most helpful. St. Louis is a very friendly and hospitable place.
