Jesus and Medicine

Jan. 7, 2020

Outer Journal: Worship

Leaving the hotel was another sunny morning, with an occasional gust of the cool river air. It was going to be another busy day at the cathedral and museums. My feet and legs have made somewhat of a recovery from the past several days of touring, typically getting in about 7 miles of walking each day. The first place we visited was the St Louis Cathedral. The building is absolutely beautiful inside and out. The three towers of the cathedral can be seen all throughout the French Quarter, as if drawing everyone back to its entrance at Jackson Square. Once inside, the view of the alters and multiple paintings is breath-taking. It was interesting to find out that all the painting on the ceiling was done on canvas. When it needs cleaned or touched up the sheets are taken down and then hung back up. It prevents paints from peeling and falling onto the floor. I have been in several old buildings, courthouses and churches, that usually have strips of paint just hanging from the plaster. The cathedral had been through several disasters in the 1700-1800’s, including the first fire that ruined 80% of the area and towers collapsing while being built. On the backside of the cathedral there is a statue of Jesus, at night it is illuminated and his shadow spans almost the entire height of the building known as "touchdown Jesus". It is phenomenal to see.

We then walked a short distance to the Old Ursuline Convent, which is the oldest building in the area. It survived both fires due the continued prayer of the nuns caused the direction of the wind to change and the building remained fully intact. The exterior of the building seems simple with its white plaster and two levels of evenly placed windows. Inside is St Mary’s church, Bishops and archbishops worshiped here. The ceiling was made from cypress wood from barges that get disassembled at the ports, it was hard to wrap your mind around these massive beams being placed in the buildings as they were the entire width of the building.

Inner Journey: Love for a City

The one thing that I have noticed in every version of the cities history is one common theme. Love. This city saw many tragedies in it's early years. There was sickness that took hundreds of lives every year when there would be a new outbreak. In the pharmacy tour, he stated if they wanted to survive that summer season they had to leave. After the fires, the people pulled together to rebuild almost everything in the city, houses, churches, businesses and stores. Another way the people of this area come together is through food. I feel that when you are preparing meals for those you love there is another level of "flavor or love" added. The south is the place to go when you want to experience a new cuisine other than your own, it has made them famous. I was excited to be going to New Orleans for the history, but the idea of all food was probably the highlight of my days. Mostly because the days were long, full of walking and I needed to refuel on my favorite, spicy bites of goodness-shrimp or crab! During our tour days and when we had free time, I noticed how friendly people are. Even though New Orleans is a large city everyone has manners, which is rare in the North. Cars will let you cross the street without feeling that your life may be in danger. When asking for directions, people are always helpful. Even though it was clear we were all tourists, I never felt out of place mingling with all the people we encountered with tours or on our own.