Basilica Upper Church interior
I have attended both Midnight Mass at Christmas and Easter Vigil in this church. However, I haven't been there in years because the church is REALLY cold. The Franciscans couldn't afford to heat it at the time. I think I heard that they have a new furnace now, so I'll have to try again.
Easter vigil was the toughest because they did full immersion Baptisms and then the Catchumens changed into dry clothes. I was really worried about some of them -- especially the baby. I was just hoping that the altar was warmer than the pews because of all the candles.
The music is always gorgeous -- I have several friends who play in their orchestra.
I have attended several weddings at the upper church in your picture. You would be amazed how many visitors took pictures as the wedding was taking place.
Unfortunately, the last time I attended a mass there was for my mothers’ funeral. It was in the lower church on a freezing day.
That is absolutely beautiful!