Newel of the Soul

The word sent today from a.Word.a.Day e-mail was newel. Sometimes the words are familiar, sometimes I can’t pronounce them, and sometimes they connect. Newel is a center column that supports the steps of a spiral staircase. Oddly enough, the connection that came to my mind was a staircase in Santa Fe, New Mexico that has no newel. The story is told that as the Loretto Chapel neared completion, it was realized that a terrible design flaw had provided no stairs to reach the high choir loft, and there was not enough room for normal stairs to be built. The Sisters of Loretto called in many carpenters and architects who suggested either using a ladder to reach the loft or tearing down the upper floor and starting over. Instead, the Sisters decided to pray to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and on the tenth day an old carpenter appeared who offered to build a staircase. He had minimal tools but over several months built a circular staircase that rises 22 feet to the choir loft with no visible center support and when originally built had no hand rails that could have provided support for the staircase. The 33 steps make two 360-degree turns and uses wood not found in the local area. After the staircase was built the carpenter disappeared and despite searches by the Sisters, they were never able to find, or thank, the carpenter who had built the “miraculous” staircase.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are the strength of our days. You offer support even though it may not always be tangible or visible for questioning eyes. We know of the inner sustenance you provide that fuels our ability to face another day with conviction and graciousness. Let us learn to lean on you, and trust your will instead of probing for absolute sure-footing. Your structure of love provides our sanctuary and peace. We are able to rise above our limitations when we come to you in prayer. We come in humble prayer to praise your miracles in the world and in us. Amen