Archbishop Desmond Tutu...standing ovation @ Grace Cathedral! High Drama, Pomp & Circumstance & Reserved seats!

 

That was a curious sight at Grace Cathedral bright-and-early this Sunday morning.

Church-goers turned out in their best finery an hour-or-so before the service was to commence to secure a seat in the grand house of worship on Nob Hill.

Why, pray tell?

As I noted in a post last week, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was slated to paticipate in a Mass at Grace to celebrate - "Last Sunday After the Epiphany" - as the Holy season of Easter commenced.

Post: 02/28/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/02/archbishop-desmond-tututo-participate.html

As solemn parishioners scurried inside the awesome environs for coveted seats, I couldn't help but notice (with a little disappointment, I might add) that a few pews at the front of the Cathedral were roped off and reserved for special guests attending the much-anticipated event.

We're all equal in the eyes of God, after all, and no one is entitled to pull strings - at the expense of another - to nab a special perch (at least not in the Lord's sacred place of prayer).

Personally, I feel that if the faithful want to get an up-close-and-personal gander at someone like the Archbishop, that they should arrive early like the rest of the common folk to guarantee their cushy spot.

Don't 'ya think?

I was surprised that this wasn't at-all obvious to the powers-on-high - the most pious - who run Grace!

If any of the Grace regulars (or tourists)  were miffed, however, they weren't inclined to express their feelings (not outwardly, at least).

Indeed!

Once inside the impressive carved doors, the faithful throngs - lookie loos, too - snapped up all the available seats willy-nilly (as the Choir rehearsed gloriously in the background out-of-sight at the front of the Cathedral and the organist struck up a riveting note or two).

By the time the service began at 11 o'clock, there was standing room only, by golly!

The Mass amounted to a lot of high drama, and pomp and circumstance, performed with a lot of calculated ritual.

I joked to one bloke about the rousing hymns being banged out melodramatically (and with great fervor) by an overzealous organist.

"So - "Phantom of the Opera" - eh?"

"Dark," he gleefully quipped, as we both broke into a little chuckle (which signalled we were both on the same wavelength (and of like mind and spirit).

Surely, I don't have to remind anyone, that the devout are capable of communing with God in the calm serenity of their home or in natural surroundings at the local park.

And, always be mindful that God frowns upon those who make a show of their prayers in public!

Just before the service commenced, I asked a fellow next to me to pass over an envelope for my offering, from a raft of papers in a cubby-hole just opposite his seat.

But, as it turned out, the pews were only stocked with a few Hymn books and Informational cards to fill in for the express purpose of requesting a newsletter and/or details on programs and services at the respected Church.

"They probably want you to fill the card in," he whispered.

So, I complied with his suggestion, right off-the-bat.

When the collection plate was handed to me, I plopped the card and my donation inside, with little ado.

A few short minutes later after the "spoils" were emptied into a larger basket - and paraded down the center aisle - I caught sight of my request card a-top a mound of cash as it floated by a few feet away in a young priest's hands.

"What a good omen," I thought to myself.

At this juncture, the Archbishop took the occasion to offer up a chat on the meaning of "Transfiguration".

The well-received - diminutive man-of-the-cloth - spiced up his sermon with a handful of humorous quips which appealed to the congregation.

A bit of levity goes a long way, after all.

"If you're walking down the street, give the sign of the cross to a passer-by," he urged. 

"Inside, quietly. So you don't get clobbered."

The parishioners roared!

"And, when you're stuck in traffic, bless all the drivers around you."

At the end of his inspiring sermon, the mesmerized crowd jumped to their feet, and gave the beaming speaker a rousing standing ovation!

"I thought you retired," the Reverend quipped, in the aftermath.

In response, a ripple of laughter trickled through the pews.

"Well, you're welcome to visit us at Grace, anytime."

A few moments later - when the procession filed down the center aisle - I managed to reach out and shake the Archbishop's hand.

"God Bless you."

He responded in kind.

After the service, volunteers at Grace offered up delicious pancakes, mouth-watering fruit, and strong jolts of coffee in paper cups.

The room was electric and the spirits were high.

On that note, I departed, with a bounce in my step.

Then, guess what?

On the sidewalk below, I spied $10.00, waiting to be snatched up.

Uh-huh!

God moves in mysterious ways.

Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Grand environs of Grace Cathedral awesome!

Archbishop Desmond Tutu...to participate in Sermon @ Grace Cathedral! San Francisco!





As a rule, it is rare to land a scoop, when attending Church.

But, shortly after a "Contemplative Eucharist" was underway at Grace Cathedral last evening on Nob Hill, it was announced that Archbishop Desmond Tutu would be participating in a Sermon next Sunday (March 6th) at 11 a.m.

After noting that the Nobel Peace Prize-winner would be attending a closed-door session on Thursday night, the Reverend was quick to warn the parishioners about the potential pitfalls of trotting in late next week.

"Arrive early!  The pews will probably be filled at Grace Cathedral," she urged with a broad smile on her cherubic face.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was born in 1931 in Klerksdorp (Transvaal).

The Holy Man's father was a teacher.

Not surprisingly, Tutu first trained as a teacher at Pretoria Bantu Normal College.

After graduating from the University of South Africa in 1954, Desmond toiled as a high school teacher, before his studies on theology commenced.

The charismatic leader was ordained as a priest in 1960.

From 1967 to 1972 - Tutu taught theology in South Africa - before returning to England for three years as the assistant director of a theological institute in London (England).

In 1975, the highly spiritual soul was appointed the Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg (the first black to hold the position).

Tutu later became General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches - where he formulated his opinions on the importance of  observing "democratic just societies without racial division" - which touted:

1. equal civil rights for all
2. the abolition of South Africa's passport laws
3. a common system of education
4. the cessation of forced deportation from South Africa to the so-called "homelands"

The South African Council of Churches is a contact organization for the churches of South Africa and functions as a National Committee for the World Council of Churches.

By the way, if you've never attended an evening service at Grace Cathedral, give it the old college try!

Last night's scripture-reading was particularly uplifting.

In particular, I found that the "sounding" of the bell" - which chimed periodically throughout the service - resonated to the core of my being.

The "Alleluia" refrain - sung to perfection by the choir and parishioners - caused hearts, minds, and spirits to soar joyously!

The Contemplative Eucharist is calendared for Sundays @ 6 p.m.

Background Feature

Post: 01/20/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/01/grace-cathedralsan-francisco-house-of.html

See 'ya there!
(God Willing)

LOCATION

Grace Cathedral
1100 California Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

415.749.6300

info@gracecathedral.org



Fault line in Mew Zealand

Grace accepting donations for New Zealand Earthquake Victims!

http://www.thetattler.biz

God's mysterious ways...the gift of healing! Grace Cathedral in San Francisco!

 



Healing Hands!

Once again, God's mysterious ways have astounded me!

For instance, the night before last, I stumbled across a book on "Healing" (by chance?) based on the teachings of an Eastern Master which ring just as true today as when they were first published a half-a-century ago by a San Francisco publishing house!

In fact, as I read the spiritual passages therein - I was immediately struck by the fact that the ideas set forth by the authentic Guru - were along-the-lines of a handful of philosophical musings gleaned from the yearnings of my own blessed heart over the past decade or two.

In particular, I found the theories - that articulated on the principles behind "healing", "purification", and "magnetism" - resonated with truth to the very core of my being!

Needless to say, I was not at all surprised when I ran smack-dab into a mystical experience bright-and-early the next morning - and a brush with the Lord - as I trekked up California Street into the tony environs of Nob Hill.

Indeed!

Shortly after I strolled into GRACE CATHEDRAL (one of my favorite Churches in the Bay area), I was suddenly bathed in pool of rainbow colors by virtue of a stream of light shining through a stained-glass window from on high above me.

On the heels of the cleansing awakening, the Church bells suddenly rang out!

"For whom do the bells toll?" I wondered to myself.

At this juncture, it came to my attention that a service was about to commence in a small Chapel at the front of the spectacular Cathedral.

I quickly ushered myself into a seat just as the Priest began to utter up the first words of the scriptures to the solemn parishioners humbly gathered there.

Lo & Behold!

Subject matter in the stray book on "Healing" (which I came across the evening before) was the focus of her Sermon at Grace!

In fact, at one point - the Priest asked if anyone recalled a little tune with lyrics that went something like - "this little light of mine".

Within a few precious seconds, I found myself singing out.

"This little light of mine. I'm going to let it shine!"

In response, the Priest nodded her joyous approval from the podium up front!

In a round-about-way, my ambition to sing in the Church was fulfilled at long last.

Offers for this tenor to sing for his supper in the future are graciously accepted!

Contact

i.julian@yahoo.com

After the service, a man spied the book on healing in my hand, and trotted up to quiz me.

"What is that you are reading there?"

Suddenly, I found myself giving a brief dissertation on the power of "healing".

"Did you know that if you open up your heart, you can heal the world?" I found myself blurting out.

It hit me like a thunderbolt.

God was bestowing upon me the gift of healing!

Amen!



Holy Spirit is present!

Grace Cathedral...San Francisco's House of Worship!

As I wandered into Huntington Park at dawn at the top of Nob Hill, the sun strained against the horizon, casting long strands of gold and purple across the early morning sky.

Then, a still breeze rustled leaves in the trees, as a flock of excited birds flew directly overhead, and alighted nearby.

Before me, the "Fountain of Tortoises", hinted at a bygone era of romance and elegance.

The decorative sculpture is a copy of "La Fontana Delle Tartarughe", originally set as a centerpiece in the Piazza Mattei, Rome. The original was designed in 1581 by Giacomo della Porta, with sculpted bronze figures crafted by Taddeo Landini.

Pope Alexander VII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to restore the fountain in 1658-1659. As a result, the featured dolphins fell into oblivion, and were summarily replaced with struggling tortoises, instead.

William and Ethel Crocker donated a replica of the original which was installed at Huntington Park after gracing their garden for a number of years.

The Angels appear ready to herald a new dawn.

To my right, a few seniors (mostly Asian) arched their backs gracefully for a moment. Then, each torso half turned - as if to defy gravity - as arms and legs seemingly "pulled" and "pushed" the still air, in a surreal fashion.

I was captivated by their serene faces and the inner glow which appeared to emanate from within the very core of their mortal coils.

Ah, the ancient practice of Tai Chi. And, the inner smile revealing itself, in a Divine moment.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the lush finely-manicured park, a rag-tag band of exercise enthusiasts plied their limbs, and focused on the task at hand.

I silently turned on my heel and headed in the direction of Grace Cathedral (across the street) to attend morning service.

The Cathedral is a descendant of the original Church built in the Gold rush year of 1849 - destroyed in the 1908 earthquake - which was rebuilt on property donated by the Crocker Family.

At Grace, there is not only a keen awareness of the spiritual, but also a forward-thinking philosophy about the "oneness" (unity) of all things.

Inside, near the font, a statue of St. Francis stands with arms out-stretched... seemingly capturing the lofty ideal that Grace Cathedral is, "A House of Prayer for all people".

For starters, the Church is an inner space that resonates with spirit - a perfect respite from it all in the pursuit of prayer - provides an opportunity for insightful contemplation about the wondrous mysteries of life.

In addition, there are a number of exquisite religious artifacts to view.

The "Doors of Paradise", for instance, which were created by Florentine sculptor Lorenze Ghiberti; fashioned for the Baptistery of a Florence Cathedral. Their shimmering gold surfaces beckon the pilgrim up the great stairway to look in awe at the intricately sculpted and nearly three-dimensional panels.

Ghiberti was one of the first artists to apply relief and linear perspective on such a grand scale. Indeed, Grace Cathedral's "Doors of Paradise" tower at 16 feet, while each door weighs one and a third tons.

Ghiberti chose ten familiar narratives as subjects for the main panels, taken from the first books of the Bible, ranging from Genesis to Kings. Each panel contains several scenes from each story, shaped not only by the text and by Christian interpretation, but also by commentaries of the early church fathers and even by contemporary events.

The border panels display Old Testament figures related to, or commenting on, the adjacent main panels, accompanied by busts done in a similar vein. Around the busts are lifelike sprigs of vegetation and bouquets of flowers, inhabited here and there by frogs, crickets and lizards.

In the first panel, the tale of Adam and Eve is featured...their creation, temptation, fall and expulsion. The panel is notable for the "cosmic egg" design of the sublime creation of Eve scene at center and for the poignant backward glance of Eve, outside the gate of Eden.

On the other hand, some allege the adjacent "Cain and Abel" panel is even more powerful, contrasting quiet pastoral scenes with Cain's murder of the favored Abel, and the guilty Cain questioning God, "Am I my brother's keeper?"

The Gothic-style rocky crags seem to echo Cain's violence.

It is worthy of a pilgrimage to Grace to explore the historical piece up close.

In that event, the casual visitor will be able to marvel at some of the other breathtaking works of art such as: the exquisitely executed stained-glass windows throughout the Cathedral (particularly those by the French Loire studios and Charles Counick, depicting such modern figures as Thurgood Marshall, Robert Frost, and Albert Einstein) the stunning murals completed in the 1940's by Polish artist John de Rosen; and the 44-bell carillon.

Along with its mystical ambiance, Grace lifts spirits with regular services throughout the week, along with inspiring musical performances (including organ recitals on most Sundays).

Grace's male choir has gloriously engaged in song since their inception in 1906, but a boys choir was not added until 1913. The centuries-old tradition of men and boys choirs has since blossomed here and there around the country at other Churches.

The Grace choir is composed of 14 choir men and 21 choristers who have long-standing ties with the community; the boys of the choir are students at the Cathedral School for Boys, for instance, while the men are a professional San Francisco ensemble.

The Cathedral Camerata is a mixed voice ensemble that sings a diverse repertoire of chant, Renaissance, and Baroque mottes and anthems and newly composed sacred works.

A unique attraction is the Labyrinth.

What is Labyrinth?

The sacred "curiosity" is an archetype of a divine imprint found in many religious traditions in various forms around the globe. By walking the labyrinth, an individual discovers, "...a long forgotten mystical tradition insisting to be reborn," according to the insightful Rv. Dr. Lauren Artress.

Labyrinths entered "Christian Prayer life" during the Middle Ages after they were incorporated into cathedrals around Europe.

The "Medieval Eleven Circuit Labyrinth" is replicated on the floor of the Chartes Cathedral where it was placed in 1201.

People around the world use the Labyrinth today to quiet the mind, find balance, and encourage meditation, insight, and a celebration of life.

The "Grace After Hours" program provides the opportunity to walk the labyrinth and learn about its history, in addition to facilitating it as a spiritual tool, as well.

Before departing from the Lord's House, slip into the AIDS Interfaith Chapel.

The Chapel opened its doors for the first time on December 1st, 1995, after the bell tolled at Grace Cathedral in Honor of "World AIDS Day".

The Chapel is a memorial for those who died from AIDS.

Now, the sacred altar here is a place of meditation and healing and remembrance for caregivers and those still fighting the disease.

Throughout the ages, stories of each community have been told through their house of worship...by virtue of artifacts, stained Glass, sermons, and a myriad of activities.

San Francisco's chapter in the "AIDS" epidemic is recalled through the auspices of the Interfaith Chapel.

The Chapel envelopes those who come to pay their respects and proudly displays who San Francisco is as a community ... compassionate, embracing, concerned.

The Interfaith addition was made a reality due to the persistent fundraising efforts of community members, local celebrities, and politicians alike.

Inside, there is a stunning altarpiece, a triptych of the Life of Christ.

Pop Artist Keith Haren started fresh, spontaneously carving into clay. The talented visionary used bronze and white gold patina for the original castings.

In a center panel is the Christ child, cradled by a number of arms below a radiant heart; above, a shower of tears with Christ on a cross above.

On the right panel, figures are ascending to heaven; on the left, there is a fallen angel.

The Interfaith Chapel is a sacred place where generosity of spirit prevails.

According to critics, the Harin piece is a masterful work that is accessible and speaks to many people.

The "Book of Remembrance" is a handmade book that is preserved under glass. Within its precious pages, the names of people who have died of AIDS are inscribed individually by a calligrapher, with the dates of their birth and death.

The book serves as a testament to the loss shared by the community.

Finally, on a top note, it should be noted that since 1995, Grace Cathedral has engaged in conversations with renowned authorities from the world of politics, activism, spirituality and the arts through their program - the Forum - which podcasts each Sunday morning 9:30-10:30 a.m. (except for holidays)

A few months ago, I caught vampire writer Anne Rice, discussing her new book on the "Childhood" of Jesus Christ. On the occasion of that intriguing appearance, she noted that she - henceforth - intended to devote her writing gifts to "God".

Well, after a visit to Grace Cathedral, most are inclined to do that, the experience is so spiritually overwhelming and uplifting.

San Francisco...romantic's heaven! Chinatown, Top of the Mark, cable cars...

The last time I flew into San Francisco, the memories flooded in; after all, it was not my first trip to the Bay area.

In the early seventies, a group of Vancouver (B.C.) artists - myself included - were invited to exhibit paintings at the annual San Francisco Arts Festival.

So, I made my first trek to Frisco, when the liberated seventies were in joyous full swing.

On the evening of the unveiling, I was strolling idly through the displays of the colorful textured works of art, when I struck up a conversation with an elegant man in a business suit who was taking a quick gander at the paintings while he was on an intermission break from a celebrated Opera being staged next door.

When I let it slip I'd never attended a lavish stage production like the one underway at the Opera House - he urged me to return to the theatre with him to take in the closing act of the sold-out musical extravaganza.



"But, I don't have a ticket," I lamented.


That little hitch didn't deter the charming fellow one bit.

Here, take my program and my opera glasses. Walk in with me at curtain call, and they'll assume you were already a guest at the performance, out on a smoke break."


So, off we dashed, at the ready to launch our little scheme.

Shameful, I didn't feel guilty at all about trying to pull off the charade.

Besides, it was also an opportunity to test my acting skills.

When we approached the elaborate doors of the Opera House (my heart pounding madly in my chest) the usher gave a curt little nod - and we strode in confidently, he - none the wiser.

Ah, we slipped through with flying colors!

Joan Sutherland was magnificent, and her remarkable performance will be indelibly etched on my mind forever, along with other fond memories.

I'll wistfully recall the quaint old Victorian walk-up on California Street, for instance, where I bunked with good buddies on that occasion.

And, a romance which sprang up out-of-the-blue as I rode a noisy cable car up Nob Hill by the seat of my pants - was particularly memorable.

Shortly after catching the eye of a beautiful stranger that balmy evening, I embarked on a clandestine love affair, that would last three adventurous years.

As I jaunted around the city over the next few weeks, there was much to report on - the grandeur of Grace Cathedral, the peaceful Noe Valley in the shadow of the Maiden's Breast, intriguing Chinatown, and a smattering of other romantic out-of-the-way sights sprinkled about here and there in a city brimming chock full of history.


I half expected Mary Ann or Michael - Mrs.Madrigal, even - to saunter by on a quiet side-street, as I was swept up into the rhythm of the magical city.

After all, the Armistead Maupin characters (Tales of the City) are so vividly etched in my mind.

But now, I have a few of my own exciting tales to weave!


No wonder.

As I gobbled down the last morsel of tasty cuisine at a scrumptious Chinese dinner on Washington Street, my fortune cookie promised there would be romance and intriguing scenarios on the horizon.


William Saroyan's thoughts on the subject were well-taken.

"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does."



Old World charm of the Palace of Fine Arts,,,