Polish Church

This is the church my husband's grandmother attended when she lived in Chicago long ago. We finally went to see it over Thanksgiving with my in-laws. It's a quiet, peaceful space in the middle of a not-so-great neighborhood in the city.

Votive Candles

Great Price on Holy Water

At the Mission San Xavier gift shop in Tucson.

Mission San Xavier: Icons and details

For all the vivid ornateness of the Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson, there were features that bespoke its 200+ year history.

Handless Icon



Fading Mural Paint



Broken Cherub


Pew Bench, worn from devotion




Also, if it wasn't clear from yesterday's comment, the coyote window bars were from the Mission as well.

Mission San Xavier del Bac

Mission San Xavier del Bac was founded by the Jesuit missionary, Father Eusebio Kino, in 1692. The present church was built under the direction of the Franciscans. Construction began in 1783 and was completed in 1797. The church continues to serve as the parish for the Tohono O'odham and a shrine chruch for many visitors.

Stained Glass, St. Marys, New Orleans

I loved the vibrant blue. The whole church was drenched in bright, joyful colors. I wasn't used to that! :)

Buddha Banks

Taken in New Orleans, spring 2008. I assume they are Buddhas -- they might not be!

Hail, Hail, the gang's all here!

The last three of the series from yesterday...



Francis Xavier Seelos: The leader of the group. Probably a little bossy, but he means well.




Cornelia Peacock Connelly: What a sour, smug expression. I can't get over how rude she looks praying.




Henriette Delille: The pretty one. Cornelia hates her for her perfect hairdo and big earrings.


I think the expressions of the three become more prominent when you see them together. They are truly a motley crew, and not in a hair band kind of way!



Best viewed in large.

Ursuline Convent Garden Statues

Taken at the Ursuline Convent Museum, a quiet oasis tucked away in the middle of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The six statues are praying to another statue of Mary and baby Jesus, which is befitting at St. Mary's Church, the church adjacent to the convent. Female saints and religious icons played a strong role here, moreso than I remember seeing in any church in a very long time. But the expressions on the statues in this setting were remarkably real and not nearly as beatific as I expected.



Francis Xavier Cabrini: The bowtie is distinctive, but it's the almost sly look on his face that makes this statue so striking to me.




M. Katharine Drexel: Her plain, broad features stand out. She also has one of the few genuinely devout and sincere expressions of the statues. But she also looks a little glum, don't you think?



Rose Phillipine Duchesne: She makes praying look like hard, joyless work.


3 more tomorrow!