DU Catholics: What's the most beautiful cathedral (in the US) you've ever been in?

[Taverner]

I have never had the chance to see the great Cathedrals of NYC, but I have been to the Vatican. To say that was a cool Cathedral would be like saying Las Vegas is a nice spot on the map if you like poker. But within the US - what's the most beautiful one you've been in?

[Chan790]

1. The one I went to college next to...

and since its considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, I'm going to take a safe bet that it's the most beautiful in the US. You don't have to be catholic to appreciate its' beauty. (One look at my avatar tells you I'm not.)

http://www.nationalshrine.com/site/pp.asp?c=etITK6OTG&b=106948

[Taverner]

3. That has some serious moorish arc. going on there!

I like it!

[Chan790]

8. It's also home to what the students call "The pissed-off Jesus"

Technically, the mosaic is named "Christ In Majesty". You can't tell from the pic but it is massive. A school bus would fit between his arms.

[Taverner]

9. Wow - that is a different Jesus!

Almost looks like a Socialist Realist painting!

[elshiva]

16. "The Angry Christ" is what we called it at

Washington Theological Union. But my goodness, there are some lovely chapels in there...

[KamaAina]

2. DU lapsed Catholic here: It is technically a minor basilica

though it is called St. Louis Cathedral. First one who asks me where in the U.S. gets a good solid boot to the head!

Come to think of it, it may be the only cathedral (or minor basilica) I've been in...

[TheCentepedeShoes]

4. I guess the only one

I've been in is St Patrick's in NYC. Made my BF leave some money in the poor box.

Better edit to add: not Roman Catholic at all, actually atheist. Can still appreciate great buildings...

[Taverner]

5. I am an Atheist too, but I love a good Cathedral

[begin_within]

6. Here's 2 I have been to

I took this photo last fall inside the Immaculata, on the campus of the University of San Diego



Probably the trippiest is the Air Force Academy chapel in Colorado Springs, which has 4 churches in it: the Protestant one shown below, a Cahtolic one beneath it, a circular Jewish temple, and a small nondenominational chapel for Buddhists and others. All of them in one building

[ChoralScholar]

7. We took the high school choir to sing

at St. Patrick's in NYC, and St. James in Chicago on consecutive spring tours.

I've sung at the St. Louis cathedral in New Orleans, back when I was in college....

[Joey Liberal]

10. Former Catholic/St. Mary's Church, Newport, R.I. n/t

[CBHagman]

11. Democrats who drop by D.C. must also see...

...the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle on Rhode Island Avenue near Dupont Circle.

On edit: Of course the cathedral was the site of President John F. Kennedy's funeral.


This is the sanctuary, but you must also see the chapels as well. My favorite is the Saint Anthony Chapel, which has mosaics depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua. Saint Francis's "Canticle of the Sun" appears along the sides of the chapel as well.



From the Saint Anthony Chapel:



http://www.stmatthewscathedral.org/

[CatholicEdHead]

12. St Paul's Cathedral is really nice

Along with the Basilica of St Mary in Minneapolis.

[Ptah]

13. I'm not Catholic. this is not a Cathedral. I feel it is beautiful. Mission San Xavier del Bac

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Xavier_del_Bac

[PeaceNikki]

14. Not Catholic, but Holy Hill in Hubertus, Wisconsin

Beautiful.



Holy Hill is located in southeast Wisconsin, on the highest elevation in that part of the state. Situated on 435 acres of rural countryside, it provides the visitor with the opportunity for spiritual enrichment. We often hear visitors remark about the peace, beauty and serenity they find at Holy Hill.

As early as 1903, Holy Hill was declared a Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians. In 2006, the Shrine was raised to the status of Minor Basilica. But as far back as the 1700s and perhaps earlier, the Americans Indians came to Holy Hill because they considered it a sacred place.

Many come to Holy Hill as "tourists", only to find that they have been touched by something deeper than natural beauty or curiosity. We know that God is truly present on this Holy Hill, and we invite you to come and share with us this Presence!

[BreweryYardRat]

15. Not Catholic, but I've been to St. Patrick's in NYC.

Impressive. Part of me can't help but wonder, though, how much of the money spent in its construction would have been better served going to the poor.

[Debi]

17. Helena Montana

[Release The Hounds]

18. Marquette, MI- St. Peter