A Heavenly Spot

This glorious cathedral features some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the world.

No matter where my eye rests in St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky, my gaze is drawn heavenward. Gothic-style architecture of arches and vaults soars up into arklike curves. Warm light surrounds me, a celestial glow emanating from 82 stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of color.

I was awestruck by the windows, especially the north transept. One of the largest handblown stained glass windows in the world, it measures 24 x 67 feet. I also loved the murals painted by Covington native Frank Duveneck, a world-renowned artist. My fingers traced the beautiful Italian porcelain mosaic tiles that compose 14 scenes in the Stations of the Cross.

A choir of angels surely accompanies the music that fills the 1,000-seat church, resounding from a trinity of cathedral pipe organs. These instruments combine to create uplifting music that draws visitors and performers to services, as well as to its popular concert series. A visit here calls for a big amen. -WANDA MCKINNEY

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption: 1140 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011-3116; (859) 431-2060 or www.cov cathedral.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Guided tours at 11 a.m. Sundays following 10 a.m. Mass.

Grace Notes

* A cathedral basilica is a church that is given ceremonial privileges by the Pope. St. Mary's is one of about 60 cathedral basilicas in the United States.

* The three church organs are connected by 42 miles of wiring and feature 4,576 pipes.

* Stained glass windows were teaching tools when people couldn't read or write.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2006
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