Wednesday, August 5, 2015

The Silence Inside The Sanctuary

The sanctuary inside St. Joseph's doesn't have the over-the-top feeling that can often happen in a Catholic church. Not every surface needs to be covered with mosaics and finery, and it gives the church more of a comfortable sense. Interestingly enough, the church has a reputation for being quite liberal as Catholic churches go. I've stood in here during times when construction was going on nearby on the campus, and yet the sound didn't seem to intrude here, let alone the noise of life at a busy university.


43 comments:

  1. You are actually right...the church looks quite simple for a Catholic Church....

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  2. Yes, a sanctuary indeed, William. Nice clean shots

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  3. The congregation must be quite pleased with the new pope.

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  4. I like the feel of this place. I agree with you, the simplicity is a nice change. (Though those "fancy" churches are always fun to photograph!)

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  5. It does look like a church you can just sit in peace and contemplate

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  6. Ah, stained glass windows ! :)

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  7. Our posts are compatible, today. Feeling the silence!

    Janis
    GDP

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  8. Looks like a very peaceful space.
    I love the stained glass windows. They are stunning!

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  9. A simple and beautiful place of worship: I tend to like this kind of architecture in modern churches.

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  10. Catholic churches seem a bit different. Quiet. Whispers. Is it because so many statues are looking out at us?

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  11. The peaceful atmosphere is more in keeping with the message of the church ...a sanctuary.

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  12. @Siddartha: Notre Dame and St. Patrick's here in the city are quite ornate on the other hand as Catholic churches go.

    @Linda: it is!

    @Cloudia: thank you!

    @Stuart: I would think so, given the reputation of the parish.

    @Halcyon: they certainly are photographer's gems to take pics in.

    @Bill: indeed. There's actually a spot off to the left in the first shot where there are couches instead of pews.

    @Karl: wait until I show you a chapel in the church this place is partnered with!

    @Marianne: thank you!

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  13. @Janis: I'll be looking for your post.

    @Chieftess: I quite agree. This one's such a lovely church.

    @Tamago: I will have to check- I recall a detail about at least some of the stained glass coming from the church before the fire.

    @VP: so do I.

    @Hilary: me too.

    @Sharon: that stands out so well for me.

    @Birdman: that could be!

    @Red: it really is.

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  14. Interesting drapery effect at the altar.

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  15. I wish you'd do a photo book of just your photos of churches.

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  16. I love ornate churches but this is very nice too and your photos are great. I agree with Norma, you should make a coffee table book of church photos or even better a book strictly with stained glass windows. Ahhh.
    I think all the ornate stuff is intended to hold your attention when the sermon is boring. LOL

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  17. Even when you're not religious, it's nice to have a quiet place to retreat to.

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  18. very cool. such a neat piece of architecture. ( :

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  19. I love churches just for that (but remember that when mass is under way, I flee...)

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  20. I like what you wrote as I recognize your feelings about churches.

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  21. A place to get away from the noise of ordinary life.

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  22. It is a quiet, peaceful and restful place to pray.

    Tomás.

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  23. Artistic and very pretty windows!

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  24. I love the arches and soaring ceilings!

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  25. @RedPat: I find myself wondering if it was a particular occasion. It was too long after Easter...

    @Linda: I quite agree!

    @Norma: that's a good idea!

    @Eve: there are a whole lot of stained glass windows here!

    @Oakland: it certainly is.

    @Nancy: yes, that does seem to be the case.

    @Beth: restoration work really went well with it after the fire. It was a different style than what came before.

    @Lowell: indeed!

    @Ciel: :)

    @Marleen: thanks!

    @EG: definitely!

    @Tomas: it certainly is.

    @Cheryl: thanks!

    @Gunn: they were well done.

    @Gill: it certainly is.

    @Meradeth: me too!

    @Tex: you're welcome.

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  26. Wonderful description William of how a church should feel...

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  27. I like the simplicity of this church. It makes me think of mostly smaller catholic churches we have visited in France.

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  28. There is silence and reverence inside a Roman Catholic church which is missing in other churches.

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  29. As lovely inside as it is outside.

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  30. There is a simple but creative grandeur in this appealing interior. The result creates a sense of sanctuary.

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  31. @Geoff: I thought it fitting.

    @Jan: a couple of the basilicas here are of the over the top variety.

    @Mari: definitely.

    @Ann: I can see that.

    @Kay: I think so too.

    @Gemma: it does, yes.

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