Blog Archives
our gentle sin
Another day, another (seemingly) random song lyric.
Today’s version comes from “Take Me to Church” by Hozier, where he sings “No masters or kings when the ritual begins/there is not sweeter innocence than our gentle sin/in the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene/only then, I am human, only then, I am clean.”
Maybe it’s ironic that these words came to me when I was inside a church that had statues and kings and rituals and etc., but that’s my brain when it’s hopped up on photography and friendship and travel and songs that are wedged in my memory.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Shafter, Texas
photographed 2.19.2025
The Descent
Coming down the narrow stairs from the loft gives photographers a nice view of the church.
It was peaceful inside this space; I felt calm when I left after a happy hour of making photos.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Shafter, Texas
photographed 11.4.2017
The Sacred
As I mentioned in an earlier post, this church holds Mass once a month, at 2:00 p.m. But I believe the church doors are always unlocked, just in case.
Shafter, Texas
photographed 11.4.2017
Wilderness
Remember that I came to Shafter because of that story about a monk?
He’s about to become part of the narrative, but in the meantime, check out the way the light’s bouncing around here? Lovely, isn’t it?
Shafter, Texas
photographed 11.4.2017
From on High
The biggest building in town is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church; a notice posted next to the front door said Mass is celebrated there on the third Sunday of each month, at 2:00 p.m. That door was locked, but the side door wasn’t. I let myself in and spent a happy hour inside exploring and photographing.
This view, from the loft, was my favorite and I was especially captivated by the shadows behind the altar.
Shafter, Texas
photographed 11.4.2017
One Day | One Image 