Adventure 91: Mass

I experienced my first mass! This is an experience I've been trying to arrange for months. I have been trying to get one of my Catholic friend's to take me, so I wouldn't make a complete fool of myself. Visiting other Christian churches alone didn't bother me, but for some reason going to mass un-escorted made me nervous. Something about the Catholic church being steeped in tradition and rituals... I didn't want to show up stag. Knowing me, I'd probably knock over the holy water and catch a robe in my teeth on my way to catch the dish before it lands with a clatter when all eyes turn to "the non-Catholic" who is crashing the party. 

Anyway, I recently re-connected with an old friend who said he'd be happy to take me. I was thrilled.

To see my extensive photo shoot of the exterior of the Cathederal of the Madeline, check out Adventure 3.

This adventure includes mostly interior shots. Though to be clear, I did not take any shots during the service.

Here's my friend Julio, who attends mass weekly, and was very helpful and willing to answer any and all of my questions. I try to fill my life with people like this. I also love when I can fit organ pipes into a selfie. Score.

This is what I have to say about the service:

• It was in Spanish, so I only understood the occasional word.

• The feeling in the cathedral was lovely. I felt relaxed and at peace.
• The music was more contemporary sounding than I expected. (Of course I was expecting Gregorian Chants, if that tells you anything about my understand of the Catholic church)

• There was incense involved in the service. This is supposed to be instrumental in sending our prayers up to heaven.
• Most people were dressed in what I would call their best casual.

• The cathedral was packed for the service
• There was a lot of standing for long intervals
• There was also short intervals of kneeling, but I didn't participate in that

The stain-glass windows are fantastic.

This is my long time friend Shawn who came along to experience his first mass as well.

There was a program to follow along with, which was helpful... or, it would have been if I spoke Spanish.

The alter, which is located at the crossing. It's lovely.

Beautiful detail everywhere.

The choir and instruments sit behind this wood divider during mass.

Absolutely beautiful stained-glass windows!

The Virgin Mary.

Time spent on adventure: 1.5 hours

Money spent: $0

Recommendation: 9 out of 10 adventure points!