September 8 is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary the All Holy Theotokos. I couldn’t locate a liturgical (sacred) work of art from our diocese to represent the feast day but I did manage to at least capture off the internet some pictures of the interior and exterior of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Brockport. Strange, but the church does not seem to have any representation of the event -the Nativity of Mary- anywhere in the church. There is, however, a lovely window that depicts a young Mary looking fondly at her parents. Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of it. The traditional Nativity of Mary scene might be a nice sculpture project for the tympanum over the main entrance doors.

There is a church in the Buffalo diocese also dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. It, too, does not have any work representing the Nativity.

Here are the exterior (above) and interior shots of the church in Brockport.

I find the church quite pleasing. I don’t know the history of this building and I don’t recall having seen it in person but the fact -to my eyes- that the mission style of the interior does not seem to fit the exterior style suggests that it is a renovation meant to appeal to, or reflect the church’s ministry to, the migrant workers in the area. The ‘flying buttresses’ attached to the reredos behind the altar were probably included to add some curves, but I find them odd and distracting. The reredos in total is unsatisfying to me.

Notice the gorgeous gold(?) designs on the ceiling beams which appear to me to have been inspired by Spanish lace designs. The back lighting of the crucifix against a sky or plain background is also something of a Spanish (and Portuguese) treatment.

This is a lovely church in my opinion.

Here is the parish website.

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