Following is a letter received from a grateful visitor hoping to return many times in the future. 

 

 I love you,

  Msgr. Jerome

 

Reverend Monsignor:

 

I have recently returned from a vacation in the United States which included six days in Santa Fe.  This was my first visit to your interesting and historic city, and it is my fervent hope to return many times in the future.

 

On Sunday, July 12^th, I attended Mass at the Cathedral Basilica, an event which I shall not forget.  Upon entering the Cathedral I sensed a particular atmosphere of being in the presence of “community,” something which is not always present in other churches, at least in my experience.  The only other church in which this same atmosphere can be found is in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine; however, it can be found elsewhere in churches which I have not visited, no doubt.  I do not know what it is which makes these two cathedrals so very special in this regard.  If there is a formula, I suggest it be passed on to churches throughout North America.

 

The warmth of your greeting to the parishioners, and more particularly to visitors from beyond Santa Fe, was touching.  The parishioner in my pew also extended a truly heartfelt welcome to the Cathedral and to Santa Fe.  The service was moving and uplifting; the music was exceptional and celebratory.  It was rewarding to observe how the congregation participated fully in the celebration of the Mass.  It was a most inspiring and beautiful morning.

 

As I noted in the bulletin, 2010 will mark the 400^th anniversary of the parish’s foundation.  To commemorate this event, you will find enclosed a cheque in the amount of forty dollars ($40.00), the first of ten such cheques for a total of four hundred dollars ($400.00) as a contribution to the Cathedral.  I trust it can be helpful in some way to the parish and may be used for whatever purpose is deemed appropriate.  Perhaps this gesture can be the beginning of a “400 Club”!!

 

In closing, I wish to thank you for your inspiring ministry, the staff and parishioners of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi for making a part of my visit to Santa Fe so memorable.