This past weekend, my husband and I drove from Nashville to Detroit so I could sign books at G. A. Fuchs in Madison Heights. What a wonderful trip and what a beautiful store!
The images you see of the churches are painted directly onto the wall and I must say are exquisitely detailed replicas of several of the amazing local seminaries, cathedrals, shrines and churches. Since we were only in the area for a short weekend, it was difficult to choose which to visit.
The gallery of artwork the store carries is well worth a visit but they also carry many pieces that are perfect in size for homes.
Meet Matt Klopp. He runs the Fuchs store and invited me for an autograph party. I enjoyed meeting people and helping them find gifts in the store. (couldn't help myself) We did leave a few signed copies for those in the area who may not have made it in for the event.
After the book signing, we went to the
National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica which had an event taking place also. A wedding! We waited and walked around visiting the outside garden area. This Shrine was just made a Basilica a week prior to our visit.
Water flowed below St. Therese's statue and from this point we could see the church as well as what was the original radio tower that now houses the St. Therese Chapel.
Pictures from St. Therese's youth decorated a small room off the altar area. Now that her parents, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, will be canonized this year, we were fortunate to read more about their lives.
The St. Therese Chapel was worth the entire visit to the Shrine. What a beautiful place to reflect on her life and her love for Christ. I happen to be reading I Believe in Love : a personal retreat based on the teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux so I was thrilled to be here in this Holy place.
We ventured on to Mass at
Sweetest Heart of Mary Church. The size of this church and the beauty of this space reminded me of something I'd seen in Europe. We received Communion at the altar rail which was a first for my husband.
This large stained glass window depicts the Holy Family with the boy Jesus working with a wooden cross. Quite a moving image.
This window opposite the Holy Family window is a depiction of St. Valentine and his work among the people, spreading the love of Christ.
We ventured further to the downtown area and ate in Greektown then returned to the Royal Oaks area for some live music. We will have to go back and visit the Ford Museum and Motown. So much to see...so little time. Thank you Matt, Tom and Nancy Klopp for a wonderful first visit to Detroit. We truly enjoyed your great city!
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