Basilica of St. Paul

I would’ve like to have toured the Basilica but when I got out of my car across the street (in the designated lot) there were so many bag people around I was frightened to cross the street to the church. (One guy was approaching people by wheelchair begging for money.) There was a sign indicating there might be a Nativity display but didn’t say where to go. The mass schedule available in the hotel did not match the mass schedule on the posted sign at the church (meaning I missed the service).
I would think that a basilica could do a better PR job reaching out to tourist Catholics with correct information, activities available, even history of the church…

So I decided to visit for Ash Wednesday which also coincided with bike week. The church also offered a blessing of the bikes which I missed but feel certaiin I would have enjoyed.
The artichetecure is so very colorful and amazing. Rich pastel colors with vaious statues sprinkled with candle arrangments thoughout. I could just sit here in silence and be in awe.
There is a little gift area up front with religious items like books, literature, prayer cards, beads and jewelry for sale in the foyer. The choir uses a sound system with speakes throughout the sanctuary which I found a little different – just never encountered a choir that needed a sound system.
The actual sevice was given in English with some parts in Espanol which I actually appreciated. The Hispanic presence is large here so it is definitely appropriate.
I feel this is a very beautiful place to visit if you are in the area.. .