St. Francis de Sales Oratory — Attraction in St. Louis

I edit this review with a heavy heart, a number of years after first posting it.

Gorgeous church, wonderful acoustics... The new organ has been installed and is phenomenal! The extraordinary Mass is a truly beautiful experience, bringing one together with every other Catholic around the world, and throughout the ages. It is amazing, and words cannot adequately describe what it's like to have the priest offer the Mass for (instead of to), and on the behalf of those gathered. However, the rector is pompous, self-righteous, and indignant. Over the past two years, he, and he alone, ruined the entire experience. What an opportunity to welcome Catholics back to the fold, back to the flock, back home (especially at Christmas). But, instead, he used his only words in English to scold the congregants, to literally rebuke education (in general), and to admonish and reprimand childless women (and to a lesser extent, their husbands) for "selfish, childish behavior," that "needs to be corrected." The previous rector was much more pious, and definitely more welcoming and kind, yet without compromising Catholic values. He seemed to be more interested in guiding the flock, rather than beating them...

That this parish is staffed by the ineffable Institute of Christ the King is enough on its own to make St. Francis de Sales Oratory a special place for any Catholic. The spiritual care provided by priests of the Institute sets the standard in today's Catholic Church. Truly. The sacred liturgy can always be counted on to be only the most resplendent that man can offer to the Most High God. On top of that, the church building is an utterly remarkable structure that beckons the heart and soul to Christ our King. This place is a spiritual oasis. Words can scarcely describe my love of St. Francis de...

Amazing Church! Beautiful, and highly comparable to many in Europe.

■Parking is ROUGH. Be careful, mostly (if not all) Street parking. ■Lots of steps, they do have an elevator, though it's supper tiny. ■Floor looks like it's seen better days. ■The architecture and design is spectacular! ■Lots of pews in large sections. ■Latin Mass ■Wonderful acoustics ■Reverent Canons and well trained Alter Servers ■The basement hall has better bathrooms then the upstairs (single and tiny by the back of the church)

I was warned about the area around the church, thankfully nothing...