Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Sistine Chapel Choir


I attended the 10:15 Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sunday, September 17th.  I looked at the schedule beforehand.  Although several Mass times had music, the 10:15 was the only one with the actual choir.

(Zoom in on the photos to read the words on the program.  And, please feel free to ask questions in the comments section)

Upon entering, I was handed a program.  The place was packed with tourists and people who attended the previous Mass.  So forget about getting a seat!

I'm so glad I went!  The acoustics of the building must be perfect.  The singing resonated and filled my body.  I felt very peaceful.  I tingled all over.  I had goosebumps and the sound reverberated from my thighs straight through my heart.  I felt very light-headed.

The readings were standard, and man with a shepherd's crook gave the homily.  I couldn't remember if he was a bishop or cardinal, so I bothered to look at my program.

And I was awe-struck by what I saw:
 
 
 



What a way to start attending Mass in NYC!  In the presence of a Saint, with a homily said by a Cardinal, at a National Cathedral, with the Sistine Chapel Choir.  My Goodness!  I thought my heart would burst.

Both the St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir and Sistine Chapel Choir sang throughout the Mass.

Upon approaching the cathedral, I was surprised to see Saks Fifth Avenue-- I joke that it was like seeing the Mothership (a quote from Friends) and the one of the greatest houses of worship all at once.  I thought that was overwhelming, seeing Saks Fifth Avenue, the real one, on 5th Avenue.

But that pales in comparison.  Is there anything more transparent, more vapid, than "pale"?  Because that's what the store was after that experience at the cathedral.


 
 
 


 


This is the side I chose to stand on for Mass.  I had a great view of the Lecturn and the Altar.

Televisions are lashed to every column.  This is the opposite side of the cathedral from where I was standing.  There are many aisles and multiple deacons and priests to administer Communion.

Sistine Chapel Choir-- The photograph is blurry.  Mass was still going on, and I felt guilty about taking a photo, so I took it quickly.  St. Patrick's Cathedral Choir were up front, and Sistine Chapel Choir were in the loft at the back with that beautiful pipe organ.  I so wish the photo was in-focus, but this view is fairly accurate.  My eyes could not see much more detail than this.




With Love and God Bless

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