Live from Jackson Square

The Archbishop of New Orleans returned to his Cathedral -- the "soul of the city" -- this morning.

"This is indeed an historic moment in the life — not only in the church of New Orleans but in the whole city," Hughes said. "The structure which harbors the soul of our city has come back to life. ... Thanks be to God."

The church was bright, as light shining down from the balcony made the altar's gold accents glitter. Candles burned on the altar and brightly lit chandeliers hung from the ceiling painted with religious pictures.

"The St. Louis Cathedral is a symbol that really unites all of our city, and this is what we're going to need to move forward," archdiocesan spokesman the Rev. William Maestri said before the Mass began.

Some churchgoers shed tears during the service, as the choir and congregation sang hymns about finding shelter in a storm and getting through dark times. The communion hymn contained the lyrics "I am hope for all who are hopeless ... I will bring you home."

"I cried just when thoughts came to me of all the things people are going through," said Michelle Hernandez, 27, of Jefferson Parish, who attended the service with her husband and two children. "I thought (the Mass) was just well said, appropriate and compassionate for what I think people need to hear right now."

As it was widely reported when Katrina hit, Alfie Hughes fled for Baton Rouge with two changes of clothes. Seems he lost his pallium, too?

PHOTO: AP/Kevork Djansezian

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