On the new calendar today is the feast of St Claire, but it was also the feast of St Philomena on the the old calendar (pre-1961 I believe). In her honor, we present the church of St Philomena in Oak Forest, Indiana. Sitting near Pump House Rd in the hills of southeastern Indiana the is church, once diocesan, it is now cared for by the FSSP. The church was, if I recall correctly, changed to St Cecilia in the later half of its diocesan period, owing perhaps to her removal form the Roman calendar. ( I still pray for her intercession regularly, no slight against St Cecilia intended.)Though the community is small, I can personally verify that their is good attendance (composed in no small part of young families) at the Sunday High Mass. The walls are extensively decorated with paintings. The namesake saint is represented by both a painting on the reredo of the high altar and by a large statue in the rear of the church. Images of the interior are given below. Not many photos of the stained glass are included. they are of a simpler type common to country churches. they generally have small holy images at the top of each window.
http://picasaweb.google.com/DocMeadows85/71810StPhilomena#
This parish is still very much in contact with the older traditions. They "answer" if you will to the spirits of the past (check the Ha'nacker Mill post for the explanation of this imagery), in that they share the rites of worship and as nearly as I can tell the piety of there fore-bearers. This is not to say that Novus Ordo Catholics, such as myself cannot share in the communion of saints, but I think these families would perhaps have more in common with the nineteenth century Catholics who built this Church. I will address the issues of this sort later. So for now just enjoy the church.
ReplyDeleteThanks Doc! I have a special love of St. Clare and St. Philomena and St. Cecilia! I love the fact that they are grouped so closely together in this story.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome.... Tomorrow we will return to Streator and her churches, may God preserve them
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