Inspired by Newark’s Cathedral Basilica, photographer embarks on journey to visit every U.S. cathedral (Video)
Andrew Masi sat in the peaceful stillness of Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, gazing admiringly at the vibrant stained-glass windows and ornate, hand-carved marble statues that surrounded him. The Connecticut resident had visited the Cathedral Basilica a few times before, but on that occasion — Easter Sunday 2014, just a few weeks after his beloved grandmother died — he could not help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. And just one thought entered his mind: “Is every cathedral as beautiful as this one?”
He decided right then and there to find out.
Over the succeeding decade, Masi has crisscrossed the country with the dream photographing every cathedral in the U.S. So far, he has visited 104 cathedrals and 59 basilicas across 37 states, with plans to visit the major churches of Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma later this year. But on his most recent trip, Masi celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ongoing pilgrimage by returning to the place that inspired it.
“I’m really excited to be back — it’s like a homecoming for me,” said Masi, who attended the Cathedral Basilica’s noon Mass on July 21. “I wanted to pray and give thanks to God for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I believe God and my grandmother gave me the idea to go on this journey, and I’ve felt them with me everywhere I’ve been. I won’t let them down.”
Masi returned to the Cathedral Basilica a much more well-traveled man than the last time he visited. After deciding to launch this pilgrimage, he started photographing cathedrals in his own Diocese of Bridgeport and nearby areas, publishing his work on Flickr. He has since branched out to other parts of the country, scheduling his visits around what trips he can fit into a vacation or long weekends outside of his full-time job at a public relations firm. He also makes sure there are no ongoing renovations when planning a visit, preferring to capture each cathedral at its absolute best.
Since Masi pays for his travels entirely out of pocket, he plans his trips at least a year ahead to secure deals. He also does not spend money on expensive camera equipment — though that is not a financial choice. It is actually because Masi takes all his pictures using an Android phone, a device he feels is just as good as the fanciest camera.
“It’s amazing what you can do with technology these days — everything is so advanced,” said Masi, who added that he has not needed to edit about 98% of the images he has published online. “The pictures are high-def and crystal clear. I always say, ‘The simpler, the better.’”
Of all the cathedrals and basilicas he has photographed, does Masi have a favorite? If he had to pick, Masi said he would choose Missouri’s Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis due to its sprawling mosaic installation, which is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere. But he really just feels blessed to have had the chance to take photos of so many beautiful religious sites. Additionally, he is grateful for the opportunity to visit places he probably would never have seen if he had not been on this journey.
“When I would tell people I was going to Omaha, Nebraska, I’d always hear, ‘Nebraska? What’s in Nebraska, cornfields?’” Masi recalled. “But Nebraska is a nice state — it has its charms and beauty. It’s just very flat.”
Newark had already been checked off Masi’s list, but he was excited to return to the city, nonetheless. During this visit, the amateur photographer took pictures of the National Shrine of St. Gerard, which is located at St. Lucy’s Church. He also took new photos of the Cathedral Basilica, which he ranks high on his list of favorites. From the “majestic” Gothic architecture to the “larger than life” Stations of the Cross, Masi described the building as a “magnificent” sight to behold.
And he loved experiencing it again.
“It’s beyond gorgeous,” Masi said. “When I’m here, I feel like I’m in one of the great churches of Europe. St. Patrick’s Cathedral across the river might get more attention because of its location, but I would say this is just as beautiful.”
Father Bismarck Chau, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart’s rector, was just as excited for Masi’s return. Father Chau was not assigned to the Cathedral Basilica when the photographer last visited, so he enjoyed meeting Masi for the first time. He also showed Masi parts of the building the photographer did not capture during his previous photo shoot.
Father Chau was unfamiliar with Masi’s pilgrimage until recently. After learning of Masi’s journey, he said he feels proud the Cathedral Basilica played such a pivotal role in the photographer’s mission. The rector also commended Masi for embarking on such a quest, pointing out that his work is a service for many. Plenty of Catholics will likely never see all the places Masi has been to, he said, but they can vicariously experience them through the images generated by the pilgrimage.
Of course, Father Chau hopes Masi’s photos will inspire people to visit the Cathedral Basilica in person. Though pictures can do an excellent job of capturing a location’s beauty, he said nothing compares to seeing a cathedral up close. And the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is particularly special, he said.
“There is something about the Cathedral that just moves people to a state of awe,” said Father Chau, who added that even nonspiritual people have commented on how much the space affected them. “Of course, God’s presence causes that. But I also think that when you walk into this humungous space and look up at the stained-glass windows, you feel so small. And the quiet makes you feel so peaceful. It’s a spectacle of beauty that overwhelms your senses and fills your heart with serenity.”
Masi would also love it if his work moved admirers to visit the Cathedral Basilica and all the other locations he has photographed. In fact, he said his pilgrimage’s primary goal is to compel Catholics to explore their faith, especially if they have fallen away from the Church. If his photos inspire just one person to attend Mass, he said his time and effort will be worth it.
Story continues after video
Video by Shania Mosquera
“I’d consider it a blessing if people felt inspired to return to church after looking at my pictures,” said Masi, who pointed out that many have thanked him for taking them on “virtual tours” of the cathedrals he has photographed.
Regarding his faith, Masi said his belief in God has only deepened since embarking on his pilgrimage a decade ago. And he has no plans of stopping his journey, even though he expects it will take him another five to 10 years to reach the remaining 88 cathedrals and 34 basilicas on his list. He thinks Hawaii’s two cathedrals will be his final destinations, as those are the farthest from his Connecticut home.
What will happen when Masi finally completes his mission? Ultimately, Masi hopes to collect his images in a coffee table book Catholics can enjoy. He also wants to expand his pilgrimage to other cathedrals throughout the world, especially Notre Dame in Paris.
But those goals are for the future. Currently, Masi is focused on spreading the Catholic faith through his art. Considering the state of global affairs, he said faith should be of paramount importance for everyone.
“The world is such a mess right now,” Masi said. “People need to turn to the Church, turn to their faith for guidance and comfort. We need the Lord more than ever.”
Sample of photos from Andrew Masi’s first visit to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart:
Featured image: Andrew Masi recently returned to Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which inspired his ongoing pilgrimage to visit every U.S. cathedral, in honor of the 10th anniversary of his journey. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)
