Daily Archives: June 29, 2023

Today I discovered a place very similar to my native New Jersey, sans the Atlantic Ocean and the goombahs. Let me explain.

I must state from the outset that I have driven through the Buckeye State many times before. I’ve even transited through the state’s capital – Columbus – two or three times; but never stayed here. Last evening, under the haze of supposed Canadian smoke we arrived to our hotel and settled in. And then we all slept.

Today the kids and I (along with my mother-in-law) decided to sightsee while my wife tended to some business. That Canadian smoke? Yep, it’s back and it’s really obnoxious. And I still really don’t believe that it’s from a wildfire but call me crazy. We were going to visit the Columbus Zoo – made famous and made large by one Jack Hanna – but the kids didn’t want to walk and mother-in-law has seen her share of animals and of course, you know, air quality and all. Honestly, if you can’t breath in a little smoke how on earth are we expected to survive the chastisement? Seriously.

So instead we called upon Daddy’s love of history and architecture and we visited the Ohio Statehouse. The Legislature was absent today so we had the building all to ourselves and it did not disappoint. When the guide wakes us into a room displaying a tribute to the suffragettes, I was both glad and disappointed that I wasn’t wearing my “Repeal 19” tee shirt.

But it wasn’t until later in the evening that I really came to appreciate this place for the Jersey-esque vibe it gave me.

Today for the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, we attended Mass at the Institute’s parish in Columbus – the Oratory of St. Leo the Great. The beautiful parish, tucked in a neighborhood south of downtown, reminded me of the old time parishes back home. So did the neighborhood. Old homes, well maintained, and even the odd brick-lined street gave me a feel for my childhood.

The church itself was magnificent! I will be there on Friday for the noon Mass and will grab more pictures then. In the meantime, take a look at who was hovering over my shoulder when I took my seat…

You knew she’d have to make her presence known!

Also, I have written about this before, but the priest and the servers were so edifying. The young priest, clean shaven, standing erect, chanting in a manly tenor tone interacting with the boys – a mix of young lads and a few young men just figuring out how to gingerly walk through a sanctuary without tripping over feet suddenly too big for their bodies – were the most reverent of men. Right angled turns, incense swung ever so perfectly. I see that and I want to be more manly. This is how you offer a sacrifice.

So if you read this and happen to live in Columbus, look for me at Mass as we close out the month of the Sacred Heart. Your parish is beautiful and I can’t wait to come back.

Ss. Peter and Paul, pray for us!