Radiant stained glass windows catch the light with renewed intensity, the biblical stories they tell vibrantly alive, and a soaring dove of peace illuminates the center of the newly-completed inner dome of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

It is the work of close to 200 workers who have put the finishing touches on the interior of the top portion of the 116-year-old Cathedral in downtown Sacramento over the past six months.

The remainder of the restoration is to be completed in time for the rededication Mass planned for Nov. 20.

Artists from EverGreene Studios in New York have painted frescos on the ceiling, a process requiring the agility of Michelangelo working high above the Sistine Chapel.

On the 16 panels of the interior dome, roundels which are five feet in diameter, depict a series of biblical scenes. Themes of the roundels, crafted by EverGreene Studios artists, include the Last Supper, the lion lying with the lamb, the feast at Emmaus and the loaves and fishes.

At the top and center of the dome, colored glasswork is illuminated by natural light from a dome lantern whose centerpiece is a seven-foot dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The glasswork was designed by artists at EverGreene Studios.

Newly re-leaded European crafted stained glass windows are back in place after their trip to studios in Minnesota and Massachusetts.

“They washed off 100 years of grime and the colors are absolutely brilliant,” according to Father James Murphy, rector of the Cathedral.

The dominating stained glass window, located in the center of the east end of the church, depicts the Last Supper. It is flanked by windows depicting the Nativity and the Ascension.

Eight other sanctuary windows, made in workshops of Innsbruck, Austria, depict founding figures of early Christianity, including the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

A final piece of interior renovation, the baptismal font, crafted of white marble with a multicolored glass mosaic base, has been completed and will be installed at the entrance to the Cathedral early this fall.

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