October 31, 2011: A Good Habit


Having seen this former convent numerous times, but never really knowing whom or what it housed, I figured Halloween was a fit day for exploration.  The chapel reminded me of college days surrounded by the missions of Santa Clara & also as a child growing up with a Catholic mother.  Upon seeing it now as an Alzheimer's Care Center, I thought of my Dad & his side of the family.  

After circling the facility's exterior twice, but still not feeling satisfied, I ventured inside.  Camera away, I asked to see the chapel & was gently told to wait for a tour guide.  As my escort approached in a nun's habit & giant silver cross swinging from her neck, I knew my prayers had been answered.  I sinned only once, nodding "yes" to my guide's assumption that I was viewing the church for my upcoming wedding.  Visitors were welcome, of course, to take as many pictures as desired.  

Thank you, Susan, for the heartfelt & very informative tour of the breathtaking St. Andrews Chapel, formally known as The Monastery of Precious Blood.  I also loved your Halloween costume.



(Main Entrance to St. Andrews Memory Care
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(St. Andrews Chapel Constructed in 1922, Fully Restored in 1931 & Placed on The National Registry of Historic Places in 1985)
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(Chapel Comfortably Seats 110) 
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(Cloistered Nun Standing & Singing Area) 
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(Original Hand-Painted Frescoes & Stained Glass Window) 
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(Susan, The Perfect Tour Guide)
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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love this, very humorous & great photos! Looks like a beautiful place, glad you visited.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful place. I know it on the backside of Mt. Tabor. See you in the darkroom!

Anonymous said...

So she isn't a nun, then?

SK said...

That is correct, Susan is not a nun. She was, however, wearing a nun costume because it was Halloween.

Anonymous said...

I thought she didn't want you to take her picture...but you did anyway?!

SK said...

She didn't want to POSE for a picture is how I understood it. I didn't even think the bottom one would turn out since I took it from my hip and didn't change the settings for outdoor light.

Imagine this photo story WITHOUT an image of Susan in her nun's costume. Not quite right....right?