Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church was founded in 1928 and much of the original structure still stands today. The stone building caught my eye instantly, so the church was easy to locate. It’s just a few minutes off of the UT-201, with plenty of parking available. Two wooden doors mark the entrance of the church that lead into the small foyer. From the foyer there are stairs that go up to the balcony and cry room. Turning the other
Once in church and immediately on the right side is an organ and the music area. There is one aisle and two long rows of pews that lead to the altar. Above the pews are dark brown wooden beams that frame the ceiling. The pews are wooden with a cross at the top. The Stations of the Cross are divided among the two side walls and are beautifully carved out of wood. White netting drapes across and connecting each of the stations. There is incredible trompe l'oeil work on the walls that look like real stone arches with intricate details. The art work continues to the altar that adds niches inside the arches.
The altar table was dressed in white because it is the 6th Sunday of Easter. Directly to the left of the table is a podium that appears to be made of white marble. Behind the podium is one of two red niches that frame the large cross. Below the cross is a beautiful golden tabernacle. The cross is in the largest niches that has a lovely blue background and more trompe l'oeil work. Just behind and to the right of the altar table a two wooden seats for the deacon and priest. The front right wall has a few arches framing beautiful biblical paintings. The Baptismal Font can be found off to the right of the church towards the back along with an adoration area complete with candles.
After mass I was given the opportunity to speak to the gentleman, Deacon Rick Huffman, who greeted parishioners as they entered before Mass. I asked Deacon Rick what he felt makes Our Lady of Lourdes in Magna special? He replied, "The people, they are very involved and care about their church and they take care of everything. When we were broken into, they were all here to help clean-up. They were here with no notice at all after a few phone calls, everybody showed up quickly to help." Deacon Rick is a very kind hearted man who sincerely cares about his church along with his lovely wife Gaylynn.
Although there are two Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Churches in our Diocese, they should not be compared. Each has its own charm, beauty and grace and they excel at serving the needs of their communities. Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary is important enough to have many churches named after Her.
I thank the beautiful parishioners and ministers of Our Lady of Lourdes in Magna for their kindness, grace and welcoming me today. “When the Holy Spirit finds Mary in a soul, He enters that soul completely and communicates Himself completely to that soul.” – Saint Louis de Montfort