Hey Joe,
I was passing Our Lady of Good Voyage Church on Friday and saw the door open, so I thought I would have a look inside. I haven’t been in there for quite some time, and as soon as I walked through the door there was the strong residual odor of frankincense, which instantly made it feel comfortable and familiar. I have vivid memories of how the altar boys would swing the incense burner (the thurible or censer) as they walked down the aisle. On the last steps out they would make it do a full loop over their heads, and Father Alves would smile [with consternation].
I had forgotten about the rich fishing ties that the church had to the community until I saw the décor inside again. Notice the model ships on the wall between the stations of the cross and along the choir balcony. I think the swag under the boats on the balcony is actually fishing net!
Enjoy!
~Bill O’Connor
North Shore Kid
Good Morning Gloucester 
Such a beautiful place with such a sacred atmosphere.
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I’ve never been in the church pictured, but I see a boat-builder’s influence in the construction of the walls. Beautifully done!!
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I’ve been away from Gloucester for 25 years, return just for visits and always go to my church Our Lady of Good Voyage. I’ve been to many churches in my life time, but none other feels like home. When I walk through those doors I feel like a kid again. I feel the wonderment and majesty of my surroundings. Many a pray was answered. My parents, their parents and even a great grandmother would enter into the communion of Our Lady of Good Voyage. That was well over 100 years ago.I remember all the Saints and the Mass being said in Latin. It is as beautiful now as it was then. If walls could talk they would have a story to tell. The fishermans wives on their knees praying for safe return of their husbands or sons. The crownings, blessing of the fleets, marriages, deaths. Again if walls of the beautiful Our Lady Of Good Voyage Church could talk what tales they would tell!
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