Continuing our Lenten Journey

One of the best parts of practicing the observance of Lent is that you know you are joining in with millions of others

Students from Jim Thomas’ class at Intermountain School learn about the symbolism and meaning of the Cathedral’s windows

around the globe and from various Christian traditions as you do so. In a previous post, I mentioned that the children were introduced to the concept of Lent and the practice of walking or praying through the stations of the cross by Rev. Gabe Morrow, of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral in Helena. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the more widely known cathedral in Helena: St. Helena’s Cathedral.

The children listened attentively as the docents for the Cathedral explained the significance of the various beautiful stained glass windows and well as the significance of various parts of the nave and sanctuary. They heard the history of building the Cathedral and how for the first few decades of it’s use it was a much simpler space in terms of décor. In the fifties, large chandeliers containing speakers were installed, and the beautiful archways were “gilded,” and that’s when the gold and deep maroon paintings went up that give the space such grandeur and depth.

The students also learned that while the enormous columns that run the length of the cathedral are not solid marble, the 14 carved stations of the cross are, and

detail from one of the Stations of the Cross, #13, Jesus is removed from the cross

we had the opportunity to walk around the Cathedral and appreciate the tremendous detail and attention that was placed in carving each of these beautiful pieces by hand!

As we continue to journey toward Easter, it’s been exciting to see the breadth of religious experience our children have had the opportunity to engage. We’ve started out with Episcopalians, entertained a guest from the Tanzanian Christian church, been ministered to by the youth of St. Paul’s United Methodist, toured a Catholic Cathedral, and will worship on Easter morning in a United Church of Christ! Continue to pray for our children and their families, that this Easter observance will be a blessing to them and a source of hope and continued perseverance in the hard work of treatment and healing through healthy relationships.

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