Spiritual sunshine amid clouds

“Crazy people like to be in the company of others like them — whether that’s locked up or free. I’m telling you know, I’m crazy about Jesus.” – Rev. Quentin Moody

I went to mass this morning. (I’ll give you a second to take that in.)

At last year’s True/False Film Festival in Columbia, Swiss director Peter Entell presented Shake the Devil Off, his documentary about a New Orleans Catholic church’s struggle to remain open after Hurricane Katrina forced the archdiocese to close and consolidate parishes. St. Augustine Church is rich with historical value: built 1834, first African-American Catholic parish in the U.S., home of the Tomb of the Unknown Slave, spiritual center of black Tremé neighborhood, the birthplace of jazz. The multicultural congregation is known for its uplifting choir and jazz services, when local musicians drop in.

“Crazy people like to be in the company of others like them — whether that’s locked up or free. I’m telling you know, I’m crazy about Jesus.” – Rev. Quentin Moody

I went to mass this morning. (I’ll give you a second to take that in.)

Tomb of the Unknown Slave

After resisting the church with letters and, eventually, a 19-day sit-in protest, St. Augustine’s was allowed to stay — provided they meet 12 benchmarks in 18 months. The charismatic Father LeDoux was reassigned in Texas, but the church progressed.

At the end of this morning’s service, Father Moody announced they had met all requirements. They will stay. Just a few weeks ago, the archdiocese closed two churches, saying it lacked the resources to staff the small parishes located a mile apart. They’re still meeting outside the buildings and petitioned the Vatican.

Knowing what St. Augustine has been through, I’m glad they rode this wave out. Knowing the diocese of New Orleans is in trouble, I wonder if they will survive the next.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd1UDM3Pu7Y]