4:30 Saturday afternoon mass, Holy Cross-Immaculata. First, a little history. Archbishop Purcell, the first Archbishop of Cincinnati, was caught in a terrible storm at sea. He prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, promising that, if he survived, he would build a shrine to Mary on the city's highest hill. That shrine is now Holy Cross-Immaculata Church. Wow. You usually only get that in novels and movies. Before entering Immaculata, it is imperative that you stop and take in the view. Bring a camera - almost everyone there this particular day had one. Situated at the edge of Mt. Adams, the view really is spectacular - from downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River to Kentucky and beyond. On a clear day, it might well be possible to see Tennessee. Not really, of course, but there's a lot to look at, including the new set of steps waiting to accomodate Good Friday visitors.
The only thing more impressive than the outside view is the inside view - your first glimpse of the interior of the church upon entering the front doors. It almost takes your breath away. Large, beautiful paintings, multiple altars, ornate spires and ceiling arches. 150 years worth of Catholic decor at its finest. (Although, I have to question the bland wooden main altar and pulpit. Clearly not the original furnishings, why, why, WHY are they here?) I noticed the life-sized statue of St. Patrick immediately. Yes, this is the infamous statue "stolen" every year by the fun-loving Ancient Order of Hibernians for their St. Patrick's Day parade. Oh, those wacky Irishmen.
A polite, upper-class crowd of less than 100 mainly well-dressed older couples comprised the congregation. Most of them seemed to know each other. I doubt if they live in Mt. Adams, so I'm curious as to what brings them to Immaculata. Ease of parking can't be it. After all, this is Mt. Adams.
Music was pleasant - a female soloist self-accompanied by acoustic guitar. Her clear voice echoed beautifully in the church, although for the first Sunday in Advent, her tempo and tone were a bit somber. I always thought of Lent as somber, not Advent. Still, she was very good.
Overall, after visiting Immaculata, a piece of Cincinnati's history, I felt like I had really accomplished something - one of those "100 places to see in Cincinnati before you die." A bit of advice though - if you're sightseeing in the winter, bring a sweater. . . . bring an overcoat. Heat wasn't an option 150 years ago, and apparently, it's not an option now either.
ATTENDANCE: Half full
DURATION: 55 minutes
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