April 13, 2009

Church Experiment #15: Holy Cross Immaculata

In the most anticipated Easter church visit in the last century … Barack Obama attended St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

In slightly less noteworthy news, I chose Holy Cross Immaculata (www.hciparish.org) in Mt. Adams—one of my favorite Cincinnati communities.

In other words: Catholicism, part two. This time, no hangover.

I wrestled with the decision all week and then settled on Holy Cross when I realized how fitting the visit would be.

I became a Christian a couple hundred feet from my seat Sunday. In November of 2000, while living in a studio apartment in Mt. Adams, I prayed God would change my life. That first year, I walked up the Immaculata steps (the same ones thousands of people use every year to “pray the steps”) and talked to God. The view of downtown Cincinnati is amazing from that spot. There is also a statue of Jesus nailed to the cross that I stared at for long stretches of time, contemplating my new faith.

In other words, if there is one spot on this planet I would retreat to if I needed time alone with God, it would be Holy Cross Immaculata in Mt. Adams. It felt like the perfect place to spend Easter Sunday during my experiment. [Side note: That’s also where I proposed to my wife on December 22, 2009. She and I have been back every year to celebrate the occasion, so needless to say, Holy Cross Immaculata will always hold a special place in my heart.]

To finish reading about this experience or any of the reflections from my 52 visits, please purchase the full book here.