Saint Francis Xavier Church was founded by Father Thomas Mansell, S.J. in 1704. It is one of the earliest Catholic establishments in the English Colonies and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
History of St. Francis Xavier Shrine (Old Bohemia) Years ago, before the age of digital cameras, my husband and I drove around Cecil County, Maryland. We came upon a beautiful church unawares. I was struck by its beauty and took a snapshot with my camera. The photo above is a digital copy of the beautiful moment I captured.
The Old Bohemia Church was built in 1792. The church was established in 1704 to battle the repression of Catholicism in the English Colonies. In 1953, a group formed to renovate and restore the building. To me, the coming together of three such separate denominations is a testament of what Christianity should represent.
In 1953, the Old Bohemia Historical Society was formed by a Catholic, a Quaker and a Methodist who purchased the property’s core 120 acres with the goal to restore and maintain the historic site. Since that time, members have worked to bring the property back to its original state.
The month of October for me was a month without church. Between vacation and a dental surgery I missed every Sunday at my place of worship. This past weekend I was once again worshipping with the members in our church. When we entered we were greeted with the sight of almost every seat taken in the sanctuary. Hallelujah, what a blessed sight. We made our way to the balcony where there was still room, and I said to my husband, ‘It’s a full house today.’ When I left I felt uplifted and full of joy…I had been where I belonged on Sunday morning…in God’s house.
Yesterday I visited the blog ‘Tales From the Mama Duck.’ She perfectly put into words exactly how I felt on Sunday about the restorative power of church attendance. Here’s a quote and a link to her amazing post. ‘I Didn’t Want to Leave Church on Sunday.’
“Church is not a social gathering for me. Sure, it provides fellowship, but more intimate relationships are experienced in small groups. Church service is restorative. After six days in the world, I need a reprieve from the depravity, the images, the diseases, disappointments, and this Babylonian culture.” ~ Tales From Mama Duck
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” ~ Psalm 23:3
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
Kathy
This is a such a beautiful post and message. Going to church on a Sunday has become one of my life goals- when one can’t have it, it becomes all the more valuable. What a marvel to see the church full to the brim, amazing and praise God.
The beams would have resonated with the music from those who attended. I attended a Presbyterian service on a Sunday morning recently in Philadelphia and it was a highlight of my trip there.
Susie
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I agree with all you say Susie. When a person can’t have it…it becomes even more valuable. It was wonderful to find no room in the sanctuary and go to the balcony…where it also became full. If only churches everywhere had the same problem. I’m glad you were able to find a good service to attend while you were here. Kathy
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I also was uplifted when my mother told me the second service at the church we attend was full. We had gone to the first.
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I too feel uplifted on Sundays when I attend the church service and feel very humble as i kneel at the
communion rail to receive the bread and wine and thank God for all that he has done for me.
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Thanks for the great insight and the comment. 💕
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