Restored Cathedral

November 5, 2005

Restored historic Cathedral will reopen on Nov. 20

By Herald staff

Workers apply the finishing touches to the interior of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament as a 27-month, $34 million restoration draws to a close. The religious and civic landmark has been returned to its 19th-century style and transformed with new design elements.
Luis Gris Elizarraras/
Herald photo

Following 27 months of restoration work, Bishop William K. Weigand will rededicate the restored Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento during a special Mass on Sunday, Nov. 20.

Some 30 bishops from across the United States are expected at the invitation-only Mass. Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., current president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will be the homilist.

The 116-year-old cathedral has undergone a $34 million restoration, including restored artworks and brighter colors, new liturgical elements, and a reopening of its 175-foot-high dome, which was blocked from view in 1932.

The Cathedral “is now more than ever the spiritual heart of our city, a place of extraordinary beauty that enables people to rise above the drudgery of daily life,” Bishop Weigand said in a prepared statement. “I pray that it will continue to be a powerful witness to the Catholic faith in California’s capital.”

Due to limited seating, the Nov. 20 rededication Mass is a ticketed event. Several other opportunities are being offered in the Cathedral for local Catholics and the public to participate in its reopening:

• A Solemn Mass of thanksgiving commemorating the silver anniversary of episcopal ordination of Bishop Weigand will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Cathedral. Bishop Richard C. Hanifen, retired bishop of Colorado Springs, Colo., will be the homilist. A reception will follow immediately after the Mass in the Cathedral Hall.

• A Solemn Vespers service and reception will be held on Monday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles will preach. The service will be followed by a reception in the Cathedral Hall. Community, government and religious leaders are expected to attend.

• “St. Cecilia Sing,” a choir festival, will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral.

• Bishop Weigand will preside at a Mass of thanksgiving for the rededication of the Cathedral on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. The Cathedral Choir and the Cathedral Brass will participate in the Mass.