So today was a bit interesting. Today was our pilgrimage into the lovely city of Philadelphia. For most of us this was a seeing of sites we had all seen on school trips, with our families, or just already seen. However we did get the chance to journey to a few sites that many of us had not seen.
We first went to a benediction of the blessed sacraments, at a Anglo-Catholic church called St. Marks. The service was quite nice and we had a chance to take photos afterwards. The choir even sang in Latin! The thing I found to be funniest was that the bulletin dictated that everyone kneel at the entrance of the ministers, but being the good faithful Episcopalians we are, we all stood up as soon as they entered. The parish gave us lemonade and pretzels afterwards and we got a chance to meet a few of the members of the Diocese of Connecticut, who were on the bus with us. I met a woman whose daughter was baptized with me so many years ago. Mom, she days hi!
After this we went on a quick walking tour ending up at Independence Hall. We were then given 12 minutes to eat lunch, and we weren't even allowed in to see the Liberty Bell. I was so disappointed. I am a very sarcastic person for those of you who don't know me. We then went to Christ Church, where we learned the history of Episcopalianism. It was very interesting, but we were all getting to be pretty tired.
Then we got to go to the St. James School. This is a converted church, that no longer has a congregation. It receives kids in grade 5 and then they leave in grade 8. Once they leave they are given a full scholarship to one of the most competitive prep schools in the area or into a very good vocational school. It is an amazing school.
Then we went to St. Luke's in Germantown, which is another Ango-Catholic church. They actually told us what Anglo-Catholocism is and that made everything a whole lot less confusing. Basically they are Episcopalian but they have incense and stuff like the Roman Catholics. Most of what we did here was explore.
Lastly we had cheese-steak party at the Philly Art Museum. There was dancing, partying, and plenty of cheese-steaks. It took place on the landing of the Rocky Steps. A few of our number raced up, I laughed at them for their unnecessary use of energy. Regardless, we all had an amazing time and ate some amazing food.
Once we returned, we had an amazing evening worship, with awesome music provided by a gospel choir and another band. So needless say, we all have showered and are ready to sleep.
-Sophie
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