The New Cathedral, Continued

Who is to say what Mary looked like? Nobody really knows (Letters, Sept. 8, 15). We all are used to the conventions used to depict her--flowing robes, covered head, downcast eyes and sad expression. Is this really how she dressed, or is this how we imagine she dressed?

Or did she look like the Mary in Notre Dame in Paris, with crown on head, body-hugging dress, body in Gothic s-curve pose with baby Jesus on hip? She looks decidedly medieval French in that statue.

In other words, those who built Notre Dame put her in their own time, just as Robert Graham did with his Mary.

As far as Cardinal Roger M. Mahony’s folly, imagine if those who built the same Notre Dame, or in fact any of the great cathedrals of Europe, had not done so because there were better things to do with the money. Can you imagine if these magnificent (though not always “beautiful”), faith-inspiring edifices were not here to renew us and fill us with awe and wonder at the glory of God? I believe feeding the spirit is as important as feeding the belly, and a cathedral in Los Angeles does just that for many thousands of people.

No one thinks about who built Notre Dame, and soon enough no one will think about who built our own awe-inspiring cathedral, but God bless Cardinal Mahony’s courage and vision to have done so.

MIMI SHEEAN

Glendale