Vive la Fiesta and the Cathedral Church of St Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, NM

Sooo, didja miss us?  Boy, what a whirlwind it's been, these last couple of days.  First off, let me just give a shout out to my love, Driver, for seeing what troubles I've had with my old lady phone and taking steps to figure out how to improve the situation, and then paid for it too!  Happy Anniversary, Love!!  And THANNNNK YOU!  The new one is fast, and accurate, and even takes good pictures.  Well, not necessarily this first one, as it too was taken from inside the car, looking out the windshield.  Nice to see just what I see, bugs and smears included, right?  So, it's a photo of the Historic Cathedral Church of St. Francis of Assisi.  I have always had a place in my heart for this particular saint and all the works he performed.

This congregation was established (and the first church built on this site) in 1610!  This is the oldest Catholic congregation in the USA.  The present building was constructed in 1886, and remodeled a bit in 1968, so, it's pretty old.  And you'll see, in really good shape for its age.  Inside, we'll see the longest venerated Madonna in the USA.  Tim, exactly what does that mean?

For some unknown reason, the twin towers have never been completed with the originally planned spires. 

Inside was amazing.  You could see a resemblance to the nave of the USAFA Cadet Chapel.  I'm guessing the architects of the Chapel were heavily influenced by the Romanesque structure here.

There are 12 stained glass windows throughout the nave, depicting 10 apostles and two evangelists.  They were made in Clermont-Ferrand, France, and installed in 1884!!!

This is the Baptismal Font, dedicated on Jun 3, 2001.  It's made of Brazilian granite, but crafted by local artists and metalsmiths.  

Here, in the Ambry, were oils of sacrament, but, notice, there's one specifically for the sick (the one on the right.  the only one whose name you can't fully see, go figure.)  I was tempted, but I refrained from breaking the glass to partake...but I was tempted.  Especially since we'd been on our feet all day and my back was screaming! They are used for ceremonies such as Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.  

This is the Cathedra, also knows as the Bishop's Chair.  Can you see that staff to the left?  It's a brass pole, topped by a circle containing bells (the Tintinnabulum) and a small gold and red umbrella (the Umbrellino).  These symbols indicate that in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI raised the Cathedral rank to a Basilica, a church honored for its antiquity, authenticity and faith of the people.

Inside an alcove named Our Lady of Peace Chapel, is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, created in Spain, in the 1400's (!!!), and brought to Santa Fe in 1625 by the Franciscan priest Fray Alonso Benavides.  "She is the oldest statue of Mary in the US," according to the plaque on the wall. Later in the day, at the Fiesta opening ceremonies, a replica of the statue was presented just prior to the invocation.

Just an interesting piece of trivia for you....

These little guys (I'm presuming are hand-carved, based on their individuality and price!) reminded me of Tim K, and they were hard to resist.  But, then again, we live in an RV, so space is somewhat limited, and once again, I refrained.

A very intricately and detailed statue of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Overhead, in the narthex (now, isn't THAT a fancy name for a foyer!) was another stunning example of stained glass.  I am not sure of the story line here...Tim?

And, as we left, we turned to admire the heavy bronze doors.  They were cast by a local artist and the 20 panels present the story of the Catholic Church in New Mexico.

But, first, the Fiesta!  Every city in New Mexico has their own Fiesta celebration, where they honor the past and look toward the future between the Spaniards (Mexicans) and the Native Americans (Anasazi Pueblos and Navajo, primarily).  Santa Fe's just so happened to open on Friday, the day we chose to visit downtown.  (The parking fee was raised to $15 for the occasion, and there was not a single place to park on the street; we know that to be true, 'cuz we circled and circled and circled.) So these pictures have been presented a bit out of order, but that's for clarity for you, my dear reader.  We actually parked behind the Basilica and walked back through the Cathedral campus to downtown, where the Fiesta was taking place.  When we were ready, we walked back to our car, with a short tour through the church, but I gave you all the church photos together so it would make more sense. So, Vive la Fiesta!  Couldn't resist the chocolate covered fig!  Yes, ONE fig.  Split two ways.  At $4 a pop, we could share. The couple was more than happy to find a sucker.  I mean customer.

Earlier, I had alluded to the invocation.  Well, prior to the invocation being given, there were some Native Dancers demonstrating a dance of sorts.  I don't know what sort, right off hand, and there was no one to ask, sorry.

This young man had half his face painted in turquoise and bells wrapped around his kneecaps.

Remember the Madonna statue inside the church?  Here is the traveling replica, being presented to the viewers for admiration. 

And, if you can enlarge this photo, you'll see the Spaniards & Catholics represented on the left, with the Native Americans on the right.  The invocation was given in the Governor's native Navajo (governor of the Navajo nation, not the gov of NM), and was LOOOONG.  The loose translation was explained as a call for mercy and understanding between peoples of all colors, creed and nationality.  And a request for continued blessings for all the community.  It really was moving, once we learned what was being said, especially given the troubling events of the past few days.

So, we were done with Fiesta, done with the church, and it was time to head back home.  At 5 o'clock.  On a Friday.  Couldn't have time it better if we'd tried!  Oh geeze.  Traffic here is something.  Something AWFUL!  We recognize that this is a capitol city, yes.  But, good golly, Miss Molly.  (HI MOLLY!! pet, pet, scritch the ear, scritch the other ear!) Traffic is horrendous!  I thought Ocala was bad.  This tops that, for sure!  I was sure glad to get back to the camper and get dinner started!  After a quick shower & wash up of dishes, it was time to head out to El Dorado, where the local club was dancing.  We found the dance hall with no troubles, and shortly after the dance started, we were treated to a wonderful sunset over the mountains.  Square Dance Etiquette dictated that I not leave the square to go get my camera for a photo, sorry.  I was good, so, no photo. We had a great time, danced with a couple that was headed to Fun Valley, CO, and they even knew Bouncing Bob and Cindy, from The Villages.  The promised to deliver yellow rocks on our behalf.  There was even another couple heading to FL for the winter, and they asked for dance times and places and recommendations; we were happy to oblige.  The caller was great, and she let us know about upcoming dances in Albuquerque.  One tomorrow, others during next week, when we'll be there. Yes, in case you were wondering, we behaved.  Mostly.  There were a few shortcuts taken, and yes, we might have switched a few times.  But only with a square we knew wouldn't be bothered. 

So, tonight, we are meeting up with Kelly & Marvin, whom we met in Florida, down at Myakka River State Park.  No telling what they've been up to!  Got to go get ready, though, so I'll fill you in on today's visit to the Farmer's Market when we get back from dinner, or maybe tomorrow.  Till next time...stay well & happy!