Those Blessed Moments From St. Louis Cathedral at New Orleans

A road trip is fun, more so when you are not entrusted with the responsibility of being behind the wheel. All that you do is look at the landscapes around you and marvel at the sights of nature and the man-made structures that catch your eye!

Heading westwards in early June to New Orleans, Louisiana was a very distinct experience from my days in the Atlanta suburbs. The ever-vibrant evenings in the French Quarter, flooded with people and jazz music, were diametrically opposite from the quietness that I am accustomed to. A steamboat ride across the Mississippi River with a live band was a delightful feeling. Trying out the over-hyped, deep-fried French pastry known as the beignet along with other dishes comprised the culinary part. Touring museums and other attractions was enjoyable as well. 

Amidst everything new was something which surprisingly brought in homeliness and familiarity in a place that I was visiting for the very first time. The greatest high of the trip was a visit to St. Louis Cathedral, something which surpassed everything else that I was introduced to. The impact was undoubtedly infinite, and that explains why a month later I am still ecstatic!

The St. Louis Cathedral is a key part of New Orleans’ heritage. It can trace its roots to French and Spanish colonialism, having undergone multiple reconstructions and renovations over the years. For me, however, it was not just a magnificent building that was a testament of architectural excellence. It felt more like a sanctuary where peace and harmony co-existed in a  perfect blend.

It is hard for me to describe in words the emotions that I was engulfed with the moment I entered the church. I was taken back to all those years when I had done my schooling in a Catholic convent. We had students across all faiths, and no religious knowledge was imparted. Except for a couple of prayers that we said during morning assembly, education and religion were kept separate from one another for the non-Catholic students.

There was a church within the school grounds open to all. Those kids who were interested would step in. I did so innumerable times and would feel immense happiness when I did so. As a child and as a teenager, my tender mind could hardly comprehend the ways of the world. But there was always a strong belief that a divine force was watching over me and protecting me from harm.

Those exact emotions flooded me when I was in the church at New Orleans. The altar of Mother Mary and baby Jesus in her arms diffused an aura of love and serenity. With hymns being played in the background, a sober tone set in. I felt so much at peace as I surrendered my thoughts and concerns to that invisible power. 

Certain reactions just cannot be explained. It suffices to say that it is the sheer magic of the moment that blesses us with abundant showers of tranquility. 

Whether I will revisit this church again is unknown. I will consider myself very fortunate if I find myself there again. The experience is ingrained in my mind, and a priceless treasure has found its way back with me.

Am I a Christian who was mesmerized by a visit to a historic church? No, I am not; Hinduism is the religion I practice. But my parents, in spite of being devout Hindus, have always had deep reverence for all other religions. This is a trait that has been passed down to my brother and me.

It is all about faith and acceptance that transcend religious boundaries. We can seek solace in any place where our beliefs are embedded in the core principle that humanity is one.

The division and ill will that pervade the world will fade away, and unparalleled joy and solidarity will shine through only if we do not compare one religion to another and instead practice compassion and tolerance. A beautiful quote from Rumi summarizes it all: “Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged”.