The Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier, Green Bay, WI
I don't take advantage very often, but we attended a vigil Mass prior to the Packer game we attended last weekend. I finally was able to attend the Green Bay Cathedral... actually I think I did attend once when younger and cameraless(and clueless) some years ago. This was the first official visit, although I've been able to post pictures of St. Francis Xavier several times. Beautiful church, clearly the best cathedral in state even after a somewhat severe sanctuary modification. Pictures were not great since it was already dark out, but you get the idea. The music was decent, I thought the organ sounded fantastic and it's no where near as loud as the organ in La Crosse(Dad29 mentioned some folks think it is too loud). The cantor has a nice voice, but the style was more of a soloist than a chant leader(maybe step back a bit from the mic). Hymns were okay, although we got a On Eagles Wings in there(my Marine Corp vet uncle excitedly nudged me and pointed out that it was the Communion Hymn). Ah, yes, but get this, the cantor did chant the Communion Antiphon in English with verse. It was well done.
The homily was one of the best I've ever heard, seriously. It's theme was basically Theology of the Body wrapped into the November themes of the harvest and death. Folks, literally I heard "some day you will die and worms will eat your bodies." The good rector gets Hard.Identity.Catholicism. It was that good; timely, and fearless. I meant to thank him after Mass but we were in a rush to meet up with the pagans who skipped their duties.
Regarding the "like vs liberal complaint" option: I don't think the new option is any better. Aren't we Catholic? I thought Catholicism crossed the dichotomous definitions of liberal and conservative transcends attempts to pigeon hole the faith using either adjective by upholding truths from both ends of the political spectrum? Prolife and anti-death penalty; pro education, pro-health care, pro-immigrant reform, and maintain ancient celibacy. It's a both/and tradition, not an either/or.
I have accommodated but I think that's an oversimplification of the current state of the Catholic Church. We call the National Catholic Reporter "liberal" when some of the opinions expressed are simply heterodox. I think the semantics are understood but you are correct.
Looks like the Blessed Sacrament was put back in a central place in recent times. Mind you, the 1969 arrangement was technically correct for a cathedral, but it's still nice to see the tabernacle front and center.
Also, this sanctuary (unlike Milwaukee, alas!) can be restored/properly renovated again. Look at what happened in Sioux Falls, SD...from 70's ugly to timeless beauty. Maybe one day...
No, that statue is NOT the gift of Cdl. Ratzinger.
That gift is kept in the entryway to the Cathedral (as you enter the transept from the parking lot), on your right as you enter and slightly behind you, IIRC. It is far more beautiful than the one you pictured.
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Regarding the "like vs liberal complaint" option: I don't think the new option is any better. Aren't we Catholic? I thought Catholicism crossed the dichotomous definitions of liberal and conservative transcends attempts to pigeon hole the faith using either adjective by upholding truths from both ends of the political spectrum? Prolife and anti-death penalty; pro education, pro-health care, pro-immigrant reform, and maintain ancient celibacy. It's a both/and tradition, not an either/or.
I have accommodated but I think that's an oversimplification of the current state of the Catholic Church. We call the National Catholic Reporter "liberal" when some of the opinions expressed are simply heterodox. I think the semantics are understood but you are correct.
That is a beautiful cathedral. I had never seen pictures of it before.
I should mention, no piano in sight, Deo gratias!
Looks like the Blessed Sacrament was put back in a central place in recent times. Mind you, the 1969 arrangement was technically correct for a cathedral, but it's still nice to see the tabernacle front and center.
Also, this sanctuary (unlike Milwaukee, alas!) can be restored/properly renovated again. Look at what happened in Sioux Falls, SD...from 70's ugly to timeless beauty. Maybe one day...
Dave P.
No, that statue is NOT the gift of Cdl. Ratzinger.
That gift is kept in the entryway to the Cathedral (as you enter the transept from the parking lot), on your right as you enter and slightly behind you, IIRC. It is far more beautiful than the one you pictured.
I'm making a note for my return trip, thanks D29.
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