Miracles of stone masonry and survival

 Photograph by Tony Martin

This German Baroque Catholic Church is located on Dauphine St. in New Orleans.

My dear friend Tony Martin, who is fascinated by details, took this shot. He showed me the picture yesterday.

This morning, as I drove to a new coffee shop to meet a potential employer, I rode past this church and I actually saw the details for the first time. Things that are right in our field of vision are often not really seen.

I wonder at this 1858 masonry and how it has stood up to hurricanes Betsy, Katrina, and Issac.
Not to mention a disastrous fire that destroyed the altar, the majestic ceiling art, and the pipe organ.

Yet, here this structure houses three language communities: English, Spanish and those who need sign language. I've been told that the donated organ is loud enough to vibrate the floor so that the deaf  community can feel the music.

The altar was replaced with one from St Peter and St Paul's Church. The stain glass was repaired by the same company from St. Louis that installed some of the original glass. There are statues from other churches and a newly dedicated statue to Blessed Father Seelos who assisted with the Yellow Fever Epidemic and died of the same in 1867. He is being considered for sainthood.

So much to learn from this historic landmark. Here are just a few themes that come to mind:

• Survival
• Gifted masons
• Volunteers
• Diversity
• Overcoming adversity
• Sainthood
• Dedication
• Devotion
• Resilience

Why not be on the look out for a great work of art in plain sight? Marcel Proust says,

"The real voyage of discovery consist not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
http://www.neworleanschurches.com/stvincent/neworgan.htm
Read about the musical gift.