San Jose is one of the largest cities in the US, but its cathedral just match up to the city's stature.

It is a pretty building, but situated on a busy street, Market, at a busy crossroads, so not the greatest of locations. Unfortunately it also seems to be the San Jose centre for the homeless as there are always many hanging around, and in have walked past it dozens of times for some years. They even have a refreshments window to serve those less fortunate.

I am not making a point about the care they give to those in need, but it is a bizarre sight to see in a city as rich as San Jose on one of its major thoroughfares.

Beautiful Cathedral! Sounds are wonderful, the altar is in the middle and the congregation are seating in a circle. Make sure you take a good look at the ceilings and walls. Nice heated baptismal font near the entrance

Mass in a circle. Grand white marble statues. The people of San Jose come and pray. Rich and poor. It feels alive. Great echoing sounds. Nice stained glass. Step out of the busy city for a time with God.

I love looking at older churches. I grew up with a gothic one, and try to see any in my travels that I can.

Beautiful scenes everywere you look! Ceilings, walls, and the marble floors are nothing to overlook.

The baptismal font is huge and HEATED!!! I expected it to be cold, and tentatively, and look to see if I had touched the water. Nice! Since marble churches are usually cool, the added touch kept me feeling warm throughout the tour.

I took my protestant husband with me. He, too, was impressed. The murals are incredible. We stopped at every statue and looked up. It appears as if each apostle looked down on us.

the alter itself was in the middle of the room. Behind where the altar usually stands was a 'grotto' of sorts. It had a kneeler with the tabernacle.

I am having a tough time coming up with the words to how warm, inviting, and serene this cathedral make me.

The bookstore is right next door, and it appeared as if Catholic Social Services were there, too. Many 'down on their luck' appearing people were waiting in line to speak to someone in a window.