Beauty matters. When we encounter beauty – in art, music, nature or
people – we're filled with wonder and compelled to contemplation. The
Catholic Church has long championed the artist and recognized the power
of religious artwork to inspire the onlooker to prayer. St. John Paul
II's 1999 "Letter to Artists" is just one example of the church's
emphasis on the significant role of authentic art in society. Sacred art
in particular elevates the hearts of the faithful, who are catechized
and edified by depictions of the divine.
Boston is home to many churches whose architecture and artwork astound
and uplift those who enter and open themselves to the realities they
represent. These churches compose an extensive fabric of places of
worship that are woven into the history and identity of the city.
The enduring meaning of sacred art fosters a sense of belonging in a
church community and invites visitors to enter into the mystery of God.
These churches hold a historical value as centers of diverse
communities, heightening their centrality to the lifeblood of the city.
From the North End to the South End to Seaport, unique and historic
Catholic churches are among some of Boston's most important religious
and architectural sites.
St. Leonard's is located on Hanover Street in the North End neighborhood. According to a Harvard University online archive, the church is the first Roman Catholic Church in New England built by Italian immigrants. The Romanesque Revival building has stood at the heart of the local community over the centuries. Its beauty spills out the doors into a small gated garden.
The hub of the Archdiocese of Boston, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross towers over Washington Street in the South End neighborhood. Designed by Patrick Keely, a distinguished Irish-American architect, the cathedral – dedicated in 1875 – exhibits the Gothic Revival style. The church recently received a comprehensive restoration. "Monumental civic architecture of all types helps define a city," said Greg Galer in an online article from the Boston Preservation Alliance, where he is the executive director. He stated that the preservation project will protect "this architectural gem and home to immigrant populations for future generations." The church serves the local community by celebrating masses in different languages and rites.
Right off the Evelyn Moakley bridge in the Seaport District, the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage originally served the local fishermen in the mid-20th century. According to the church's website, it "was a home for those who worked at sea and especially for their families who would pray for the safety of their loved ones." The church's name harkens to a Portuguese and Spanish devotion to Mary the Mother of God, which has been adopted by fishermen of the Northeast. Like the cathedral, this shrine was recently restored. Artwork with Marian and nautical themes adorn the small church, which seeks to cultivate Catholic community among young adults in the area.