Amid a world that builds for function, not for glory, a basilica in Buffalo still proclaims what we’ve forgotten: beauty belongs to God. This is what I saw—and remembered—at Our Lady of Victory.
Sarah - while I know your photos have a hard time conveying the beauty of this basilica, your words clearly express the beauty of our faith and the importance of creating these sacred spaces. At each Mass we experience the past, present and future of Christ’s sacrificial offering and these magnificent churches are a testament to our commitment to honor His sacrifice.
So lost are we in the empty, soulless, and mundane architecture of the modern world, we would be entirely robbed of what beauty there is in the sacred spaces of another age were it not for cathedrals such as the one you describe in your article.
I think your same reasoning can be applied to the Latin Mass. The value is not in the Latin language per se - it is about the transcendent nature of the mystical experience the Latin Mass offers.
Thank you, Sarah, for an insightful, beautifully written article.
We Orthodox Christians get asked the same question (quoted below) all the time, and we basically give the same answer.
“Can’t you worship anywhere?,” the heathens demand. Yes, we could, and we have done so in times of persecution, but we likewise know what is fitting, which is that we give our very best to God.
Sarah, I'm always amazed at your writing. It is so beautiful, and so inspiring and with so few today (in my opinion) capable of conveying anything worthy of reading, your writings are especially appreciated.
And thank you for including pictures of this beautiful church. That there still are churches standing that were built out of the love of the true Catholic faith is testament that God's love is never gone even though so many reject Him.
Oh the history of the Church here in the US that we don't know. I attend St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Charlottesville Virginia. The Parish is served by the Dominicans and there seems to be some parishioners who take for granted what blessing to be in a Parish served by the Dominicans. The Parish was remodeled and is now a grand worship space replacing the error of "feel good" space with no kneellers. Recently there was a reception in an effort to get additional funds to pay off the remaining debt. On display were original rendering sketches of the new sanctuary. I got into a conversation with a parishioner who I had never met. He said that he would have preferred to have the old church back. I was so stunned I didn't know what to say.
Dearest, thank you for your soothing voice, your heartfelt observations and truths. As always balm to my heart and soul. God bless you and your family Sarah
Sarah - while I know your photos have a hard time conveying the beauty of this basilica, your words clearly express the beauty of our faith and the importance of creating these sacred spaces. At each Mass we experience the past, present and future of Christ’s sacrificial offering and these magnificent churches are a testament to our commitment to honor His sacrifice.
So lost are we in the empty, soulless, and mundane architecture of the modern world, we would be entirely robbed of what beauty there is in the sacred spaces of another age were it not for cathedrals such as the one you describe in your article.
I think your same reasoning can be applied to the Latin Mass. The value is not in the Latin language per se - it is about the transcendent nature of the mystical experience the Latin Mass offers.
Thank you, Sarah, for an insightful, beautifully written article.
Thank you for sharing the beauty.
**Beautiful Cathedral!**
We Orthodox Christians get asked the same question (quoted below) all the time, and we basically give the same answer.
“Can’t you worship anywhere?,” the heathens demand. Yes, we could, and we have done so in times of persecution, but we likewise know what is fitting, which is that we give our very best to God.
How fitting would a beautiful High Solemn Mass be in such a place
Sarah, I'm always amazed at your writing. It is so beautiful, and so inspiring and with so few today (in my opinion) capable of conveying anything worthy of reading, your writings are especially appreciated.
And thank you for including pictures of this beautiful church. That there still are churches standing that were built out of the love of the true Catholic faith is testament that God's love is never gone even though so many reject Him.
Would have made a great video.
Very nice. Sarah.
Beautiful!
Oh the history of the Church here in the US that we don't know. I attend St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish in Charlottesville Virginia. The Parish is served by the Dominicans and there seems to be some parishioners who take for granted what blessing to be in a Parish served by the Dominicans. The Parish was remodeled and is now a grand worship space replacing the error of "feel good" space with no kneellers. Recently there was a reception in an effort to get additional funds to pay off the remaining debt. On display were original rendering sketches of the new sanctuary. I got into a conversation with a parishioner who I had never met. He said that he would have preferred to have the old church back. I was so stunned I didn't know what to say.
Dearest, thank you for your soothing voice, your heartfelt observations and truths. As always balm to my heart and soul. God bless you and your family Sarah