Sometimes called “the king of all roofs,” domes cover some of the most important buildings in the world. Curved structures without angles or corners, they require no columns, and they maximize the space below. This expanse often houses something spectacular or simply creates an elegant, open space in which many people can congregate. Despite their thinness, they are strong, stiff, and able to stand for centuries.

Scotland is home to a pilgrimage route that is up there in terms of importance with the better known routes to the popular disciple destinations of Rome (St Peter) and Santiago de Compostela (St James the Great). Why ? Well, the town of Kilrymont, or St Andrews as it was renamed, was home to some of the relics (bones) of St Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and brother of St Peter.

Ignatius had sensed the generous soul and great potential of this young man. He wanted to bring the best out of Francisco. In the end, Ignatius convinced him to join in and help create the Order of Jesus or The Jesuits. All the strength and vitality that Francisco showed for worldly life, he poured out when he joined Ignatius and began his spiritual life. The man who would become a saint embarked on great journey to the East to spread the Good Word of God.

Gothic cathedrals such as this were built with the purpose of trying to reach God and to let the light of God embody your soul. This temple achieves this beautifully. Inside, you will find a very elegant and slender cathedral illuminated by the sunlight coming through stained-glass windows. It is almost mystical.

The word “celebration” has its origin in the latin Celebrò. We can translate that as “gathering together” or “an assembly,” both of which are precisely the type of activities that Covid-19 is preventing us from doing! This prohibition inspired me to reconsider the subject of celebrating from an alternative point of view—religious celebrations.