Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament - Detroit

My Year of Faith journey continues with a visit to the Cathedral.

I thought I would conclude my Year of Faith pilgrimage with Mass at the Cathedral. Instead, with quite a few more churches to visit, I participated in a tranquil Saturday morning Mass. Tucked away in the side chapel of the immense stone structure, a good number of worshipers had gathered on a brisk weekend morning. I could see the immensity of the central worship space between the delicate stonework making up one side of the chapel and the Mass began and ended with a song.

 During the homily the priest reflected on the presence of God in the Eucharist and then he paused and sat, allowing us to meditate on this.

Nestled below soaring stone arches and columns I reflected on this awesome truth. God is present in the Eucharist. In silence with other believers I contemplated the awesomeness of that presence. On a quiet Saturday morning in the Cathedral I found myself humbled.

SS. Andrew and Benedict Detroit

Living Votive

All eyes were upon me as I entered SS. Andrew and Benedict on a Monday morning. It's easy to spot the newcomer at weekday Mass since those attending are usually a tight knit group. Greeted by smiles from the parishioners, I was looking for a place to sit when  I spotted St. Dominic smiling at me from a church window. Then, a certain brightness filled the church as our prayers and smiles blazed like candles.


And then during Mass, as we prayed for parishioners and loved ones, the priest said that we are all "living votive candles". And now days later I keep reflecting on those words; living votive candles. The priest explained that we light votive candles so our prayers continue to be offered up as the candle burns. As a living votive our prayers never cease since we are like candles burning before the alter of God.  And like the flame of a votive candle our prayer brings light to the world.

I realized why it was so bright inside SS Andrew and Benedict. The church was blazing with the light of living votive flames. And here lies the challenge I have pondered in the days following Mass. How do we as Christians become living votive candles that light the world?