I actually like the cozy choir loft. I think our schola and choir sound better when we sing closer together. The church is lower ceilinged than I’d expect… must have a big hall downstairs!
Both beautiful of course. I was supposed to be going to Montreal (don’t think I’ll make it to Quebec City though) in the spring. I’ll for sure be visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory and the FSSP parish in Montreal. I could also go to Rome in the summer with a group if I come up with the funds.
Both beautiful of course. I was supposed to be going to Montreal (don’t think I’ll make it to Quebec City though) in the spring. I’ll for sure be visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory and the FSSP parish in Montreal.
I’ve been to Sunday Mass there; truly lovely.When I came across pictures of this beautiful old church I had to share them! Not quite sure if this is the oldest Catholic Church in America or not but it’s certainly one of them. It’s St. Ignatius Church in St. Inigoes, Maryland. Sadly I don’t think it’s used much anymore.
Imagine Sunday High Mass and all the chant and incense that used to fill this place.Beautiful, and truly traditional!
Is it still a Parish and is Mass offered every Sunday? From what I read it didn’t appear so. Is the high altar still used or do they set up another?
It has been about a decade ago, so I don’t know the current status of services. Beautiful church, gorgeous view outside, interesting cemetery. I was attending a fair number of Masses in Latin at the time, so it doesn’t stand out to me which altar was used (or which Mass was said). I’m inclined to think it was forward facing, in English, and there was another altar used. But don’t hold me to that! We sat “upstairs” on the right side and what I remember most – besides the simple beauty and sacrificial history of the church (I believe there were underground “escapes” used both for priests in the 17th century and run-away slaves in the 19th) – was trying to get up and down the steps without breaking my neck in the process.
Yes, this is so, the oldest Churches could be in Spanish Territories, Florida, New Mexico and other areas.Yes, thank you for the beautiful pictures!
San Miguel Mission in Santa Fe, NM, is apparently the oldest:
catholicvote.org/what-is-the-oldest-catholic-church-in-the-united-states/
1647 was the first Church, this looks like the oldest Parish Church of all “north of Mexico” as the article reads. Very nice.