Sunday, August 18, 2013

LAURIE BETH ZUCKERMAN PHOTOGRAPHS GUADALUPE AND VIRGIN MARY IN FORT COLLINS' HISTORIC CATHOLIC CHURCHES

A Virgin of Guadalupe window sticker next door to the
historic Holy Family Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colorado

Laurie Beth Zuckerman had often wondered what she might find in Fort Collins' two landmark Catholic churches. Assuming they could be nothing like the colonial churches she likes to photograph in Latin America, these two turn-of-the-century churches actually hold some surprising riches. 

Today I am sharing scenes from the Saint Joseph Catholic Church, constructed in 1900 from sandstone blocks quarried in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I entered the church on a day when not a soul was in the main chapel or praying at the altar. I photographed it all, but prefer the simplicity of this side prayer chapel to the more modern main altar. I was impressed by the 19 gothic stain-glassed windows throughout the vaulted church, depicting the Divine Mysteries.

Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins was constructed in 1900

19 gothic stained-glass windows are the most distinctive aspect 
of the interior of the historic Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Saint Joseph Catholic Church lovely side chapel

Virgin Mary plaster statue in the Saint Joseph Catholic Church chapel

A plaster statue of Saint Joseph and baby Jesus in the chapel

I have posted these sightings of Mary in conjunction with Rebecca Brooks' Mornings with Mary. Please click on this link to view all of the wonderful words and photos at Rebecca's site.

Learn more about Rebecca's Loving Lupita journey to San Miguel de Allende. I will be joining Rebecca and teaching a Memory Nicho Altar workshop during her December 10-19 tour of this historic colonial region of Mexico. Come away with us!


15 comments:

  1. All very beautiful photos, especially Virgin Mary at Saint Joseph Church.
    gloria

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  2. thanks for sharing your photos; have a good Monday

    much love...

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  3. The cobalt blue window is stunning - what intensity of colour. Thank you for sharing these images x

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  4. As a collector of cobalt glass, I agree with Roz that that window is stunning. What kind of camera and lens do you use, Laurie?

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  5. The stained glass is beautiful.
    Everything has a reverent feeling.

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  6. there is something so transformative about light passing through stained glass. your collection of holy from your own historic neighborhood delights and surprises. once again you have tucked us firmly in the pocket of divine, thank you.

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  7. I dream of one day building my own temple and filling it with such beauty - all drawing the eyes and hearts upwards to hope and succour.

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  8. Oh stained glass I love you so!
    I am once again indebted to you
    for sharing the best your eyes see.
    ♥♥

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  9. I can hardly wait to see these images in person when I go to Fort Collins in November!

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  10. Beautiful photos. Stunning stained glass. And what a lovely Mary in blue and white. I had wanted to say about my Santorini...the blue and white of Mary. But I don't know how common it is that she appears in that blue.

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  11. Oh! Those windows!
    Your photography is stunning♥

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  12. dear laurie,
    i am so looking forward to our journey to san miguel together. it is always a gift to share the charm an glory of san miguel. this year will be exceptional as we visit the chapels together, celebrate the feast day of the virgin of guadalupe, listen to the church bells in the distance as we learn the sacred art of shrine making with you!

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  13. The stained glass Virgin is so beautiful. I sensed that there was a strong contrast between the church exterior and a more clean and modern feel within.

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  14. thank you for posting these special and awesome photos!!!!

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  15. stunning blue stained glass, my very favorite shade of blue!
    Having not been raised Catholic and even though I have been a Catholic for 50 years, I find myself learning new things about my faith all the time. The most we have in the cemetery where my mom and husband are buried does have a Catholic section, but nothing like you showed us on your page. You have an awesome and spiritual talent! Thank you so much for sharing.

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