Church: A Place Where Mystery Happens -#18

Devotional expression abounds in U.S. society. Baseball games began with the singing of the national anthem during the Second World War in an attempt to express patriotism. Nowadays the 7th-inning stretch is accompanied by America the Beautiful. The tragedy of September 11 triggered something quite remarkable in New York City. People began posting pictures of their loved ones who were missing. In addition, others laid flowers and colorful ribbons at the feet of these modern icons. Candles burnt day and night. Street corners and buildings became shrines in almost every city, town and village across the land. People want to express their grief and heartache in the face of profound suffering and sorrow. Photos, crosses, pictures, pieces of paper, letters, and family keepsakes are placed at the foot of the wall at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington. People instinctively walk the length of the wall in silence. The wall is much more than a tourist attraction or a famous monument. It is a sacred shrine where tears mingle with moans of anguish and pain. The Vietnam War was a time of anguish. The memorial allows visitors a moment to grieve and remember those who served their country.

The greatest development of devotional prayer in the last 20 years has come in places where the church is poor and the people are poor. So many have lived with suffering, poverty, and injustice. Family members have disappeared, political-religious dissidents have been incarcerated and tortured, and many have martyred. Pictures of Bishop Oscar Romero, Fr. Ignacio Ellacuria, hang side by side with pictures of peasant farmers, cooks, and domestic workers. The ancients called this the cult of saints. The veneration of saints is taking place where the church hits the pavement with heroic people. For centuries we have named our children after saints, been inspired by the virtuous deeds of mystics and martyrs, and have prayed that they intercede for us in times of trouble.

It is important to pay attention to the devotional side of our lives, to the icons and statues, the photos and pictures of the holy ones whom we cherish. Church architects constantly look for ways to give the saints of heaven a place with the saints still sojourning on earth. We instinctively want to venerate, honor, and reverence the holy ones. This is deeply rooted in the Catholic imagination. A devotion to the saints is not only something for the church building. Families need to cultivate this in our homes with pictures, posters, photos, statues and icons of saints, along with the pictures of elders and eldresses, children, and grandchildren.

The study of popular religion is very rewarding. It is fascinating to see how various cultures and peoples approach the Holy One. The following writers are among the best in the field:

1. Virgil Elizondo, Guadalupe: Mother of the New Creation,

2. David Hall, Lived Religion in America.

3. Colleen McDannell, Material Christianity: Religion and Popular Culture in America.

4. Robert A. Orsi (my favorite), The Madonna of 115th Street.

5. Thank you St. Jude, and 6. Gods of the City.

7. Jeanette Rodriquez: Our Lady of Guadalupe: Faith and Empowerment Among Mexican American Women, and Stories we live.