Interlude at St. Michael's Cathedral

The four-hour gap between the wedding service and the reception gave us the opportunity to check into our hotel and compose ourselves. Marilyn headed off to the Aquarium and I decided  to  attend the vigil Mass at St. Michael’sCathedral. I hadn't quite realized that a half-hour walk would take such a chunk out of the limited time available. I ambled a little on my way to church and didn't arrive until about 15 minutes before 5:00 o’clock Mass.

I was a little dismayed when I saw the scaffolding surrounding the church, and surprised to note that the interior is a construction zone, with virtually all seating impeded by scaffolds. Caution tape everywhere. I really wondered how Sunday Mass could possibly be held in such an environment.

The cantor began the opening hymn, and the most glorious music wafted toward me from the rear. The men's choir processed down the center aisle, elegantly robed and solemnly reverent. Behind them, the boys from St. Michael's Choir School sang sweetly. I felt much as I did when I accidentally walked into Vespers at Sacré Coeur in Paris, transported to heaven. I closed my eyes and forgot the scaffolding as Gregorian chant and Palestrina filled the worship space.

A couple of unrelated thoughts distracted me during the homily. I reflected that if I hadn't know where I was, I would have identified the choir sound as Anglican, not Catholic. Perfect diction; almost British. And, being me, I wondered about the cost of this massive work of renovation.

Someday, when the work is completed, I'll return to St. Michael's for a concert.