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St. Ann Catholic Church
4001 Yuma St NW, Washington, DC 20016

It is remarkable how the layout of St. Ann Church was envisioned.  As you enter the church from the Wisconsin Street door, the first thing that catches the eye is the altar.  Here is where the summit and source of of our Catholic faith meet.  Here we see the prominent place given to what re-presents where Christ’s death-resurrection is actualized.

Behind the altar and above it comes into our vision the tabernacle.  There, consecrated hosts are kept for distribution to the sick who cannot attend services.  That presence has also led to the practice of adoration of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament that is growing across our country .

Above the altar and tabernacle is the large crucifix that shows us the price for our redemption.  While Christ suffers no more, we are reminded of what Christ did to show us the gravity of sin and the measure of His love as represented in the figure on the Cross.

But our vision should not end on a sad note.  High above the altar is the image of the triumphant Christ, the Lamb of God, who carries the banner of victory because He has conquered sin and death.

Along with the saints and angels, we and all creation come together in this beautiful church as our voices at prayer join the heavenly chorus in giving praise to God.

The city of Washington is famous for the monumental beauty of its architecture, the natural beauty of its parks and waterways and the man-made beauty found in its many museums and public buildings.  Often lost among this catalogue of the city’s treasures are her churches.  As befits a national capitol, especially that of a nation dedicated to the freedom of religion, many faiths have graced her skyline with spires, steeples and minarets.

Even among the smaller churches and houses of worship in the city and its environs, there are unexpected gems, symbols of the faith and devotion of the congregations that built them and worship there.  One such jewel is the parish church of St. Ann on Wisconsin Avenue’s Tenley Circle.  Looking to the outside, St. Ann is an impressive modern Gothic style building, calling to mind the churches of late-medieval Northern Italy.  Within,  the visitor perceives a breathtaking combination of architecture and decoration uncomplicated in form, and yet unmistakable in design.  Through combination of stone and glass, light and air, magnificence and simplicity are as one.  This is not merely a place of worship, but a place of communion for God with His people.

William J. Awalt 

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