San Fernando Cathedral — Attraction in San Antonio

I review catholic churches from time to time in my travels and I give a rating system for certain criteria which typically follows the GERM / my opinion . It should also be noted that I only went to mass here once on travel.

Architecture: Upon first examination the church looks to have deep roots and history with it. The double towers give this church a similar look with the cathedral of Notre dame. Externally it is quite beautiful. Internally the first thing that catches your eye is the glorious tabernacle which is awesome. The other things that stuck out were the many statues of saints and the beautiful stain glass. 10/10

Tabernacle location: It so obvious that Christ is at the front and center of this church. The magnificent golden tabernacle surrounded by the awesome golden high alter is to wonder at. 10/10

Kneeling: kneelers we’re present and people didn’t kneel during the appropriate times at the mass. 10/10

Reference: The parish seems to cultivate a holy and contrite attitude. 10/10

Community: Seems to be vibrant church - I went on a Saturday evening and it was 60% full. Probably mostly tourists, but unsure of that. Hard to give a true sense of the community that are frequent goers here. no score /N/A

Homily: The priest here was holy. He gave a simple yet poignant message that we all need to put Christ at the center of our lives. It was relevant and connected with the gospel. I could tell he was humble and reverent. 10/10

Kiss of peace: They do allow for kiss of peace, but it was short and appropriate. 10/10

Holding hands during our father: Was present here, but it wasn’t drawn out or distracting. 9/10

Clapping/birthday announcements: None. 10/10

Overall seems to be great church with respectful participation of the liturgy. Would come back again if in San Antonio. Total score: 69/70

San Fernando Cathedral, located on Main Plaza downtown by the brick red bexar county courthouse is a definite must see when visiting San Antonio. As you walk in, there is a good chance that you may be overwhelmed by its beauty. Its so hard to believe thar this place is the oldest in Texas and the second oldest. continuously functioning. church in America! it beginning started in 1731 with a group of missionaries from the canary islands. it was finished in 1749. it is listed in the list of historical places and alot has happened here. Santa Anna used it to begin the seige in 1738, and Jim Bowie was married herein 1849. There is a tomb at the.entrance that claims to contain the ashes of Bowie, Crocket and ... defenders of the Alamo. The location in which is resides also housed the original mercantile and marketplace of San Antonio. This is the actual geographic city center. north south east and west. are positioned from main plaza. In 1874 it became a diocese and 1926 an archdiocese. Hundreds of people stop by here to light a candle and pray. There are daily masses and confessionals both in Spanish and English. They have a beautiful ballroom and and meeting center for weddings and events as well. as a gift shop.if you'd like to pick up a souvenir. During the summer months, there is a colorful digital light show, called "the Saga" ,that tells that is projected on the front facade of the cathedral, telling it's unique story and its special place in San Antonio history. Its a free event that starts right after the sun goes down.Take your lawn chair, and if you go on Tuesday you get free parking downtown. Best place btwn w Commerce and Flores by the courthouse.

Also called the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria and Guadalupe. The original church of San Fernando was built between 1738 and 1750. The walls of that church today form the sanctuary of the cathedral, which gives rise to its claim as the oldest cathedral in the State of Texas.

The cathedral was built by soldiers from the Presidio de San Antonio, their families and settlers from the Canary Islands; for this reason the interior is an image of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands.

In 1868, under the direction of architect Francois P. Giraud, the cathedral was considerably enlarged in the Gothic style, the addition forming the existing nave. The carved stone Stations of the Cross were added in 1874. The striking stained glass windows were added in 1920.

On September 13, 1987, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral during the only papal visit to Texas. A marker commemorates the event.

Starting in June 2014, the majestic façade of the San Fernando Cathedral has featured "San Antonio: The Saga", a unique video art projection by Xavier de Richemont. Its 24-minute runtime depicts the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio, and the Lone Star State.