This contribution to our summer series of blog posts comes from Rev Alison at All Saints Stand.
The magnificent Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles is a remarkable building which was opened in 2002. It was designed by Spanish architect Jose Moneo. Mystery and majesty come together in this amazing building which has hardly any right angles.
I visited in January en route home from New Zealand. I arrived unintentionally just in time for the lunchtime Mass. There was a congregation of about 300 (not bad for a Tuesday!) including a group from a visiting girls’ school. The highlight was the way the middle aged male cantor led the singing. The first hymn was one of my favourites There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy and the final hymn On Eagle’s Wings was simply beautiful and very moving:
And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.
I bumped into him as he was leaving the building, again quite by accident, and thanked him for such glorious singing. He was visibly moved as he told me what a joy his ministry is in that place.
A service I will never forget – a real moment of grace and glory.
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 