Monday, November 21, 2005

Ritual of renewal: 1,200 gather for cathedral rededication

The faithful returned to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday for a grand rededication ceremony featuring ancient prayers and blessings.
It was the first time in more than two years the public was able to see the $34 million renovated cathedral.

Bishop William K. Weigand, spiritual leader of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, led a procession into the packed downtown cathedral to begin the elaborate worship service "baptizing" the church.
. . .
Every aspect of the 116-year-old cathedral has been updated. Some of the biggest changes - and the most mentioned by parishioners - are the 2,000-pound crucifix hanging over the altar, the chapel inside the church and the improved lighting.

But the dome, which was closed in the 1930s, received the most attention. For the first time in 70 years, parishioners were able to see the inside of the dome.
May God be praised for allowing His House to refurbished in such a wonderful manner. The cathedral looks beautiful from the pictures. Bishop Wiegand also deserves a special thanks for keeping the renovation effort from becoming a 'wreck-ovation' as we have seen at other cathedrals in the past.

Link to article here. (May require registration)

No comments: