Exploring the Cathedral Basilica: Then and Now

Happy March, readers! Here in Missouri, it seems spring is finally on its way.

What’s in this Edition:

One Month of Stars in the Storm

Historical Beauty – My Visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

Upcoming Events – Spring Boutique Book Signing

Releasing in March – Other authors’ new releases I’m most excited about.

One Month of Stars in the Storm

It’s been almost one month since Stars in the Storm released. I am so thankful to everyone who pre-ordered, purchased, and promoted Cade and Alice Ann’s story and those of you who took the step to begin the series as well. For this being the final book in the series, I was surprised to receive more pre-orders than for any other novel and am beyond grateful!

If you need a copy of any of the books, links are included below. Paperbacks purchased directly from me are signed and include a free inspirational quote bookmark.

Buy Now – From Other Retailers

Buy Now – Direct from the Author

Catch Up with the Rest of the Series.

Historical Beauty at the Basilica

In February, my family had the pleasure of watching our daughter sing with her high school’s choir at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, along with several other local Catholic high schools. It had been a long time since I visited this historic cathedral and as always, its beauty was astounding. If you ever have a chance to visit, I highly recommend the trip.

A Brief History – The St. Louis Cathedral was first commissioned by Archbishop (later Cardinal) John Glennon in 1905 with the first Mass occurring in 1913; however, its interior ornamentation would not be fully completed until 1988. Granted Basilica status by St. Pope John Paul II in 1997 (one of two basilicas in St. Louis), the Cathedral contains the world’s largest collection of mosaics, is the location of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary’s ordinations, and holds the annual Mass of chrism blessing for all the parishes in the archdiocese. There are four archbishops interred in its lower level mausoleum.

Character Connection – With the Cathedral’s first Mass occurring in 1913, that means the Kisch family from my novel, Broken Lines, may have attended Mass there as well. The interior would have looked very different from how it looks today. There were no mosaics in 1913. There weren’t even any pews! Here’s a side by side comparison from almost the same angle:

I’ve included a few more photos of the interior below. These truly do not capture how beautiful and vibrant the mosaics are.

For more information on the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and to take a virtual tour, visit: https://cathedralstl.org/virtual-tour

Upcoming Events

Do you live in the St. Louis area and want to support a good cause? Come out to Incarnate Word Academy’s annual Spring Boutique event on Thursday, April 24 from 5-9 p.m. Fellow author, Susan Laspe, and I will have a table alongside many other alumnae vendors. Registration is required with registration fees going toward student scholarship funds. More information, including registration is available on their website.

Get your Spring Boutique tickets.

Releasing in March

Need another read? Here are the new releases I’m excited about:

  1. Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja – historical romance set against the backdrop of the Boston Tea Party
  2. The One Who Risked It All by Tara Grace Ericson – close proximity second chance firefighter romance
  3. Abner by Simon West – dystopian tale set in a flooded world
  4. When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma – Embezzlement sweeps through a small town community during the 1871 Wisconsin fire
  5. The Pharisee’s Wife by Janette Oke – a view of Christ’s final year on earth through the eyes of a Pharisee’s young wife

Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

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Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2025

Purple Mask Publishing

2025 Zumbehl Rd, Ste. 33

St. Charles, MO 63303

Published by Kelsey Gietl

I’m Kelsey Gietl, a Missouri native, Catholic Christian, cover designer, and award-winning author of historical fiction with a dose of romance and a dash of intrigue. Connect with me on my website (kelseygietl.com).