Chile is very "Catholic"

I went on a tour of Santiago this weekend, and though it was a cool city there wasn't much that stuck out to me... except the Cathedral. Santiago is a big city, so of course there's some fun things to do, but I wasn't blown away. If you ever come to Chile, spend a day in Santiago and you will see about everything that's interesting there in one day.

Since the Cathedral was the only thing that stuck out to me, it makes sense for me to write about it. This is a loaded topic though, because I have so many thoughts, beliefs, and emotions about the Catholic Church; what it is, what people think it is, and what I know it to be. Of course the most important is "what it is." I could go into a lot on topic, but I will restrain myself to the few things that have impacted me most here in Chile. The Church is my true home. The Church is misunderstood. The Church is adorned as the Bride of Christ.

I have experience a little bit of being homesick, but I have found that I am luckier than the most of the people studying abroad here, because I have my true home wherever I go. Nearly every place in the world has a Catholic Church; and definitely every place in South America, therefore Chile, has a Catholic Church. My hometown of Viña has about four Catholic Churches and I have grown attached to the church that is right by my campus: "Our Lady of Sorrows" o "Nuestra Señora de Dolores." It's a beautiful, stone church that is well decorated and has the gothic look to it. The first day that I was able to go to daily mass, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of home. Like I could walk in and leave the world for a bit to talk to and adore my God. For those that don't know, "catholic" means universal, so the mass or ceremony is the same all over the world. Everyday, every Catholic Church is using the same readings, prayers, and psalms to pray together. I can go to any Church in the world and I know that this place has the same creed and beliefs as my church at home, and I know that I already share so much with the people there with me. We share the same Savior, Father, Mother, beliefs, Pope, devotions, and religion. It's a beautiful gift God has given me. I am truly a pilgrim on this earth, but I have my home in the Church. Though I will admit... the mass in Spanish is hard! I sure am paying good attention though to try and figure out where we are in the mass so that I don't kneel at the wrong time... yes, I already made that mistake. Slightly hilarious, and immensely awkward :)

Here in Chile, like anywhere else in the world, the Catholic Church is misunderstood. Chile is the last country in South America where abortion is still illegal. Many people come to hate the Church because of this issue and many other issues without ever asking a true Catholic why the Church takes the stance it does. This past July there was an attack on the main Cathedral that I visited in Santiago. I am not going to delve into the issues, because I already believe that there are too many "Cyber Theologians" out there who don't have the guts to talk to someone face to face about these things. They are important issues that require human interaction, not raging typing and courage behind a screen.
Anyway, since the Church is misunderstood and the "modern" world starts to move beyond the needs of religion, people just keep the Church in their lives as a culture thing. It is something that looks nice on their resume. It breaks my heart to see people coming to the mass and not really participating, but just going through the motions. I can't blame them, because I was and am blessed with a thorough formation and teaching in the Church. I can understand the depth of the mass (not in its entirety) and enter into this wonderful mystery given to us daily. Honestly until recently the Church hasn't been the best at educating and ministering to it's most basic layman. The youth are starting to reap the fruit of Vatican II, while the generation that should now be leading and carrying out the missions of the Church are leaving. Most Chileans are "Catholic," and the apostrophes are completely necessary because many claim to be Catholic, but they don't practice. Yet our Creed says that you must practice the faith to be Catholic, so therefore I add the apostrophes. I am an odd sight in a Catholic Church here. I am gringo, young, I pay attention, and I still kneel at the wrong part sometimes ;)

Lastly, the Church is the Bride of Christ, and the churches here really reflect that truth. What groom would not want His bride to be adorned, and what Bride would not want to reflect the glory of Christ her Groom? In basic terms I am trying to say this: "OMG, the churches here are like, gorgeous!" The Cathedral in Santiago was stunning, and I was blessed to walk in right when mass was starting during my tour. I had just enough free time to stay for mass! The churches here have statues, art, magnificent altars, and history! I needed more time to soak it all in. I wish I could have had a guide to tell me all the history and details of the church. But instead I just took pictures. We also got to see the Statue of the Virgin Mary that overlooks Santiago. That was a beautiful monument with a cool church on top of the hill as well.

I have more to say, but I should wait for another blog later in the semester. So, enjoy the pictures, and send prayers my way for volunteering, which starts tomorrow. I am really nervous, because the hospital was more intense than I thought it was going to be. But I am still committing to it! Adios!