#10 The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer (869 Lexington Ave @65th) April 5, 2015

This church is unbelievable. Seriously. I can't get over the inside of this church. I can't even begin to tell you. This church has so much going on that when mass started, I couldn't find the lector. It took me a good 45 seconds to find out where the actual person was -- I could hear the voice but couldn't find the face. And when I finally did, it  the lectern was this huge, ornately wooden carved work of art that looked like something out of a Harry Potter movie. All's you could see was the woman's face sitting at the top of the podium, you couldn't see her neck or any other part of her. It looked like a magical talking podium. I so wish it wasn't disrespectful to take pictures in mass....I am not doing this sight justice at all. You might have to go visit.

The church is almost all stained glasses windows and the altar has been brought up closer to the pews. However, there is half a football field behind the altar to the tabernacle. I thought the assisting priest was going to have to take a water break halfway there. I am going to have to go back and take more pictures...I attended the 530 pm mass and then tried to wait for everyone to leave before I started playing Ansel Adams. But they turn off the lights, so you really couldn't see anything.

One thing that was fascinating about this mass was the dating rituals that was happening with the elderly set.  There were three very dapper men who have already celebrated their 80th (and probably 85th) birthdays. And about seven very chic woman of a very certain age, all exquisitely dressed in their Chanel suits...and let me tell you, both groups were highly aware of the other group.

My sister-in-law went to this high school -- and her parents met in the church basement - so I definitely have some built in fondness for this place.

After Mass treat -- a giant martini!  2nd Ave at 78th Street.

Photo credit -- Hi Life website because after one of their martinis, your pictures aren't fit for public viewing.