Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

Inside the Franciscan Monastery

I posted here about the trip to the Franciscan Monastery in Washington, DC and promised to share the tour of the sanctuary and catacombs.

The church is laid out in a cross but one that looks like a + not the typical cross.


 Where the two arms meet is where the worship leader stands rather than one arm being the front of the church or nave.


Looking down each arm are special areas.







There are 4 chapels in each corner.


One is of course dedicated to St. Francis.


Lovely stained glass windows came from Germany.







Downstairs is a recreation of the catacombs of Rome.  Those stones are painted.


Relics are tucked into corners.



There is a chapel dedicated to purgatory.


It was an interesting place to visit.