All that glitters…

It is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the U.S. … and how spectacular it is, as it glitters with gold leaf! The San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Texas stands as a testament to the 15 families from the Canary Islands who arrived as settlers in March, 1731and laid the cornerstone to the original church in 1738.

I was fortunate enough to attend the 5:30 Mass today, this 5th Sunday of Easter, here in San Antonio during the start of the city’s 10-day “Fiesta”. Fiesta San Antonio is the annual April event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto. It also celebrates San Antonio’s diverse cultures.

Not only does the sanctuary glitter with the richness of the city’s Spanish and Catholic heritage, but the city itself shimmers with the countless civic improvements. I found the 60 year-old Riverwalk along the San Antonio River to be a most unique urban green space.  Thanks to my friend, Br. Richard, O.M.I. on sabbatical here for acting as tour guide and giving me an opportunity to explore this gem of a city in the great state of Texas.