29th Street Ballroom
Shedding Light on Light Mystery
RECEIVED Sun., April 6, 2025
Dear Editor,
I was just at Goliad SP recently, and the mission church is indeed worth a visit ["/columns/2025-03-07/day-trips-goliad-state-park-and-historic-site-goliad/," Columns, March 7]. However, maybe I can shine some light on the "mystery" of the setting sun shining on the crucifix. As early as the 8th century, Catholic churches have been built so that the apse is on the east end and the main entrance is on the west end. The idea is that Christians should face to the east when praying. (Jerusalem is typically east of most churches in the Western world.) Exact orientation with the sun was the goal, but was not always possible because of topography. The crucifix is installed in the apse directly above the altar, which means it is directly opposite the west wall. If the sun sets in the west, there will be some day and time each year that the sun shines through the window on the west wall and lands on the crucifix. Not quite a mystery. Very intentional.
I was just at Goliad SP recently, and the mission church is indeed worth a visit ["/columns/2025-03-07/day-trips-goliad-state-park-and-historic-site-goliad/," Columns, March 7]. However, maybe I can shine some light on the "mystery" of the setting sun shining on the crucifix. As early as the 8th century, Catholic churches have been built so that the apse is on the east end and the main entrance is on the west end. The idea is that Christians should face to the east when praying. (Jerusalem is typically east of most churches in the Western world.) Exact orientation with the sun was the goal, but was not always possible because of topography. The crucifix is installed in the apse directly above the altar, which means it is directly opposite the west wall. If the sun sets in the west, there will be some day and time each year that the sun shines through the window on the west wall and lands on the crucifix. Not quite a mystery. Very intentional.
Maggie Stenz