- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Holy Rosary Catholic Cathedral
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
646 Richards StVancouver, BC V6B
Neighbourhood: Downtown
5 reviews for Holy Rosary Catholic Cathedral
5 reviews in English
-
Review from Danielle B.
Vancouver, BC
This review is for the Solemn Easter Mass with Archbishop and retinue, choir, trumpet, incense & bell-ringers. Full disclosure: I used to sing in this choir, years ago.
As mentioned in other reviews, the architecture of this building is stunning, inside and out, and the Easter floral decorations set off the sanctuary to full advantage. Beautiful pomp & circumstance, "smells & bells," amazing music, and well worth arriving early to get a seat together, though ushers were seating people throughout the 80-minute sung service; even the Gospel reading and Eucharistic prayers were sung - quite beautiful and felt very appropriate for the most solemn and thoroughly joyful occasion of the whole year, but might be a bit much for a regular Sunday.
There were 2 hymns for the congregation (everybody likes to sing!) and the prelude and postlude for organ & trumpet were actually composed by the choir director, Denis Bedard, and were fabulously grand and celebratory. The Palestrina "Sicut Cervus" at Communion is one of my all-time faves and totally did not disappoint.
I was unexpectedly a fan of the rather modern Mass setting (I forgot to bring home a bulletin with the composer's name), though the middle part of the Kyrie felt a bit unstructured for my taste and was a little distracting. Apart from that, the chromatic effects evoked strong feelings of supplication/exultation and, as you can probably already tell, the music is a very important part of the Mass for me.
People throughout time and all over the world have incorporated music into their solemn observances, and I for one can totally understand why: we are physical creatures and are literally "moved" by music :) -
Review from Daniel G.
Burnaby, BC
5/21/2012
Alright, so I suppose the good part of this church is that it's free to attend. They do pass around a collection plate, but there's no pressure on you to put money into it. And I suppose the architecture is very splendid and nice to look at, and the music is pleasant to listen to.
Now onto the bad parts. They try to teach you this crazy crap, like.... they teach that this middle eastern dude named Jesus is the living embodiment of God (the creator of the universe); the so called 'Eucharist' that they pass out at about the 40 minute mark is literally the flesh of Christ (yes... LITERALLY) and they teach that if you are a good Catholic you'll go to Heaven, and if you aren't will be banished to a place called Hell for eternity.
So in sum, if you want some cheap entertainment, a little bit of social interaction and you want to feel like your life isn't just some meaningless existence that's terminated into oblivion at death, I'd recommend it. If you can't look past the weird and obviously false teachings, then I'd say skip it. -
Review from Christopher L.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Biased yes as a Catholic..after all, it is the House of God. As mild amusement, I figure that if ever the Pope would visit Vancouver, he would have to at least drop in here - still waiting...
I know this building cannot be compared to the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, but it's probably the closest we'll get.
If God would forgive me; my only issue is that the new pews have kneelers that have a solid board running through the entire length underneath which make it difficult to stand while in the lowered position. (Ok, Yelpers, you are wondering what the h*ll I am rambling about) oops - 10 Hail Marys for you, my son..but those regular churchgoers know what I'm talking about...
The Law returns every Sunday... -
Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/29/2008
Who could not appreciate the beauty of this magnificent structure in the heart of downtown Vancouver?
The Gothic-style church was built in 490 days...how about that expediency? Built of sandstone, granite and adorned with stained glass windows, the inside and outside are beautiful. Statues of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, tiles depicting the labyrinth, statues and hundreds of candles as well as bells and cross stations can be seen inside. The steps are famous as many wedding photos and movies have been shot on them. Truly beautiful! -
Review from Holly L.
Vancouver, BC
12/30/2010
This is one of Vancouver's most beautiful churches. it's light, airy and over 100 years old. The organ is spectacular and if you come for a wedding or on Saturday morning, you might even get a chance to go up to the belltower and watch the bell ringers.
