Serenity of Mass in the Duomo Mini-Saga

In Milan, we attended a mass in the Duomo.  React freely to this experience—how did the liturgy, music, and/or space in the cathedral affect you?

The serenity of mass.

Why does mass quell my anxious thoughts?

Is it the soothing hymns of the choir that I once sang?

Hearing in Italian pronunciation "may peace be with you and with your spirit"?

Or the 600 years of effort it took to make such a serene locus?

This photo was taken while touring the Duomo during an independent research day in Milan, Italy. Unfortunately, I was unable to take photos of the choir during mass at the Duomo as photos are not allowed while mass is being held. However, one is able to see the risers that the choir stands on during mass in the photo as they are just behind the tv on the left side of the photo. During mass, I felt very serene and at peace in my mind. I couldn't tell whether it was the soothing hymns of the choir, the liturgy performed, or the fact that I was sitting in a centuries-old church that took hundreds of years to make. Personally, I believe that the soothing voices of the choir are likely what made me feel at peace. I attended a Catholic high school where I was part of the choir that sang during mass. I recalled some of the songs that were sung during mass at the Duomo and I felt serene listening to them, especially since I resonated with them regarding my religious upbringing. 

This photo was taken while touring the top of the Duomo in Milan, Italy. In the photo, one is able to see that I was astonished by the intricate architecture of the Duomo. While on our walking tour of Milan, our tour guide mentioned that it took 600 years to build the church. I was not surprised by this fact considering the intricacy of both the inside and the outside of the church. One can see in the photo that each pillar on the outside of the church has a sculpture at the top of the pillar. Although I was absolutely astonished by how the placement of such sculptures was achieved, I felt serene during mass knowing how much effort has gone into the construction of the Duomo. Not only did I feel serene regarding how much effort went into the construction, but I also felt serene noticing the delicate details that went into making such a beautiful edifice.