Unveiling the Mysteries of St. Mary's Star of the Sea

Unveiling the Mysteries of St. Mary's Star of the Sea   In this episode of the Fun in Key West podcast, host Michele O'Connor takes listeners on a journey through the rich history of St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Key West's oldest Roman Catholic parish. Michele delves into legends, key events, and architectural marvels of the church that has stood against hurricanes and other adversities. She explores its origins in the 1840s, the devastating fire of 1901, and its stunning rebirth thanks to Jesuit architect Brother Cornelius Otten. The episode also highlights the grotto built by Sister Louise Gabriel, which locals believe protects the island from direct hurricane hits. Michele connects the maritime, multicultural, and resilient spirit of Key West embodied in this historical site.   00:00 Welcome to Fun in Key West Podcast 01:26 Historic Marker Monday: Key West's Unofficial Force Field 03:36 The Origins of St. Mary's Star of the Sea 08:03 Rebuilding After the Fire 09:27 Architectural Marvels and Wartime Stories 12:52 The Grotto and Its Hurricane Legend 15:01 Modern Day St. Mary's and Community Impact 17:50 Conclusion and Call to Action     https://funinkeywest.com/fun-in-key-west-book-club/