Saint Mary-of-the Woods
ON HOLY GROUND
View from the foothills in Colorado
June, 2010
The words escape me today. I have just returned from the dedication of a new church. St. Clements. It has a history of 130 years and now it has a new place of worship. Participating in the celebration of this members of this church I was in awe of the two thousand years of tradition that was extended through the people of God at St. Clements.
As the bishop blessed the water I was reminded of my baptism. As he poured the chrism oil on the altar to anoint it, I was reminded that it becomes a symbol of Christ. He anointed the walls that the church building would be given over entirely and forever to Christian worship. And again I was reminded of my anointing, first at Baptism and then at Confirmation, and my call to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. And oh, the wonderful aroma of incense reminded me that sacrifices offered in this holy space ascends to God in heaven. It is also a sign that our prayers rise up pleasing and acceptable to God in the sincerity of our praise and worship.
With guest priests gathered around this newly anointed alter the bishop offered Mass for the first time. The choir sang in exaltation and I thought, "Heaven!" Believing that I am part of a glorious tradition with a legacy that transcends time and space, I am so grateful to have had the privilege of witnessing this event. To the People of St. Clements I say congratulation and well done.
~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
And, oh, the words didn't escape me for long...I also thought I'd share with you other places today I see as Holy Ground.
Now visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there. Lisa at Macro Monday also has much to offer. The pictures are grand.
If you would be kind enough to stop by Tamara's to offer your reason for thanks at Branch of Wisdom. She is hosting A Month of Thanksgiving I'm sure you will find some delightful and wonderful words of wisdom, praise and gratitude.
Love the framing of the tree.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a very satisfying time.
joco
This sounds like such an important moment in time for you. Thank you for sharing it with us. I really like your background with the photos added...I must learn how to do one this way.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a spiritually filling day, Cathy. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteLovely post and photos! we all have much to be thanksful for. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and a very remarkable story!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mosaic!
ReplyDeleteLove the matte finish along the edges of the tree. Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteLovely images & mosaic. Hope you & your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...all the way!
ReplyDeleteYou're getting very fancy in putting your collage together ... I love the view! I felt I was right there with you as you described the first Mass at St. Clements .... there's nothing like it, a NEW temple of God, His House, and you at the center of it. Isn't it Glorious!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Abbey♥
Love your mosaic and the soft edges. That looks like a beautiful serene place for sure. That is so much like Nazareth where I spend a lot of my time. Congratulations to the parish at St. Clement.
ReplyDelete\QMM
lovely captures. love the mosaic.
ReplyDeleteWonderful mosaic! And such a beautiful photo to go along with your beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I think of my Catholic Faith I think of you and the strength you garner from it, and it renews my own Faith.
God Bless!
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
What a great honor that must have been to be there and be a part of such a wonderous Day.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
Molly
Thanks for sharing your blessings with us! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful mosaic! St. Clements sounds like a very beautiful and spititual place.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
This is a lovely mosaic commemorating this special day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful commemoration of a special day! Thanks for sharing, Cathy, and happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Mary