Downtown Austin 2022 - Saint Mary Spire Reflection

This reflection shot of the Saint Mary spires will round out the exterior shots; next we'll move inside.

I was telling someone the other day what an awesome thing it is to attend a service in such a cathedral.  Not because we belong to the Catholic church (which we don't), but because of the music, pageantry, architecture and ambiance created by those awesome stained glass windows.  I'll never forget touring the Notre Dame.  We were in the long, slow tourist line stringing along the side of the sanctuary when the service started.  The organ music was so majestic it drew me in, and before you know it I'd crossed the barrier meant to keep the tourists at bay and sat down in a pew, taking it all in.  Then after a while the incense guys came around and did their thing, during which the two cantors - who apparently appeared out of nowhere - started singing.  It was so beautiful...I'll never forget the moment.

Another time we were in Lucerne on a morning walk, and the breeze must have been just right because suddenly a strong organ prelude wafted our way from a church across the river.  In the same way this drew me in, but unfortunately we weren't dressed properly to enter its doors...