Do you remember seeing this angel somewhere in the Oratory?
If so, please enter the location in the comment section.
If not, look for it on your next visit to the Oratory!
Photo courtesy of Mr. Mark Abeln of Rome of the West
Can You Guess – Where is this in the Oratory?
Posted October 20th, 2011Church Hall Renovation Update
Posted October 15th, 2011As noted in a previous post, we began in mid-August the much needed renovation of the restrooms in the Oratory Hall. Given the increased use of the Hall facilities by the growing Oratory community, addressing the dilapidated conditions of the restrooms had become a top priority in our restoration efforts.
It took less just under two months to complete the first phase of renovation: the overhaul the men’s restroom. We are pleased to report that, from the new ceramic-tiled floor to the new drop ceiling, and including the fixtures, lighting, painted walls – everything is new and clean!
The cost of materials for the renovation so far is $15,000, of which $9,180 have already been collected. The total cost would have been far greater had we not received the generous donations of labor cost from the two contracting companies: Brooks Plumbing and OAS Construction Company. We are very grateful to these companies and to all benefactors who have contributed. We need just $6,000 more to cover the total cost of phase one.
In the meantime, for both logistics and hygienic reasons, we have begun work on renovating the ladies’ restroom this week. With the cold weather coming on, our families and guests would be better served if both restrooms were functional. The material cost for this phase will be $16,000.
It must be emphasized that the cost borne by the Oratory is only for materials. We are deeply grateful to both Brooks and OAS Construction for their generosity in donating the labor portion. Without this kindness and their competent work, this much-needed renovation would not be possible.
While less glamorous than restoring the art and architecture of this church, repairing the Hall restrooms underscores the fact that Saint Francis de Sales is more than a historic landmark. This is where a community gathers for worship and for mutual support.
We would be grateful for your continued help to finish this task. Any donation towards this effort would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generosity!
It Is an Architectural Ornament
Posted October 8th, 2011Unfortunately, no reader attempted to identify the object in this week’s mystery photo.
The object in our mystery photo this week is an architectural ornament – stylized curled leaves, found on the doorway of a building entrance on Lynch Street. As shown in the larger photo, it has a symmetrical counterpart on the opposite side. As part of the façade of this Gothic revival building, this type of decorative ornament adds to the general appeal of the architectural style without calling attention to itself. Termed a crocket or croc in French, this sculpted feature is a typical element found in Gothic architecture. Can you imagine the building’s façade without these details?
We are grateful to Mr. Mark Abeln of Rome of the West for these photos.
Can You Guess – Where Is This in the Oratory?
Posted October 6th, 2011
Like many churches built in the late Nineteenth Century, the Oratory is richly endowed with visual and textural details. While some of the decorative details evoke religious significance (for example the trefoil motif), others are simply ornamental, deriving their pattern and texture from nature.
The subject of today’s photo mystery is something easily bypassed. Do you recall having seen it while visiting the Oratory? If so, where can it be found? Please enter your response in the comment box.
St. Thaddeus found!
Posted September 23rd, 2011It is terrific that the correct answers to the last photo quiz came in so quickly. There are many stained glass windows in the Oratory, each a reminder of the countless treasures in the rich tradition of the Catholic Church. Mrs. Pekny is the first responder to correctly identify the location of St. Jude Thaddeus. Please visit the Rectory on Sunday for your prize!
For those who wish to see this window, please check out the Virtual Tour by clicking on “TOUR” on this site. Thank you all for participating, and a very special thanks to Mr. Mark Abeln of Rome of the West for the beautiful photo of this stained glass window. The next photo quiz will be on October 6.
The following are the answers received:
- Mrs. Pekny says:
September 22, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Is this is on the Epistle side transept? The large window to the right of the Mother of Perpetual Help Altar?
- Mary says:
September 22, 2011 at 12:13 PM
This stained glass image of St. Thaddeus can be found on the north side of the church, along with five other stained glass images of Apostles. (right?????)
- Angelika Kinter says:
September 22, 2011 at 12:35 PM
At the corner of Our Mother of Perpetual Altar and the Our Lord’s Agony Altar. It is truely close to Our Blessed Lord and to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in the Oratory. Above Our Lady of Seven Sorrows window, If I’m facing the Agony Altar an looking up than from left the first stained glass window. ???
- Thomas S. says:
September 22, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Just to the right and above the Altar of the Mother of Perpetual Help. The first on the left of a series of 6 stained glass images.
- Jay Petrick says:
I believe this is in the transept on the Lynch street side of the Church.
Can You Guess – Where is This in the Oratory?
Posted September 22nd, 2011
This beautiful image is one of the precious stained glass windows at the Oratory. It is a lovely rendition of St. Thaddeus, one of the twelve Apostles often known by the name of St. Jude Thaddeus, or simply St. Jude. From the Patron Saints Index, St. Thaddeus was “the son of Cleophas, who died a martyr, and Mary who stood at the foot of the Cross, and who anointed Christ’s body after death. Brother of Saint James the Lesser. Nephew of Mary and Joseph; blood relative of Jesus Christ, and reported to look a lot like him.” There is a great devotion to him as the patron saint of desperate or forgotten causes. Along with St. Simon, his feast day is also in the month of October, on the 28th. (II Class.)
Where do you see this image at the Oratory? The next time you see it, remember this Apostle who was close to Our Blessed Lord and to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, and who constantly intercedes for us in Heaven at the throne of Almighty God.
Please post your answer in the comment box.
Photo Credit: Mr. Mark Abeln of Rome of the West