Holy Name Cathedral Celebrates 175th Anniversary with Special Mass

A Joyous Occasion

The sound of voices and instruments filled Holy Name Cathedral on Sunday as thousands of parishioners came out to celebrate a special Mass, marking the cathedral’s 175th anniversary.

A Milestone for the Cathedral

Holy Name Church was dedicated on November 18, 1849, but its original building was lost in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The current Holy Name Cathedral was built four years later. Today, it serves as a parish and the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, with a staff that serves the spiritual needs of over two million Catholics in the Chicago area.

A Time for Reflection

Archbishop Blase Cupich officiated the Mass, remarking, "Today, it seems so appropriate to celebrate this anniversary on a day in which the church year comes to a close and we anticipate the beginning of a new church year with the first Sunday of Advent next week." Cupich also took a moment to honor his own decade-long tenure as Archbishop of Chicago, saying, "I really feel very at home with these people who have welcomed me."

Parishioner Testimonials

For many parishioners, Holy Name Cathedral holds a special place in their hearts. Killian Stevens, a parishioner, said, "175 years is a long super time. The fact that it’s been a monumental part of our city has just been awesome to see." Kimberlee Curnyn, another parishioner, shared, "I actually showed up with my girlfriends just as a visitor, and the warm welcome we had from the current pastor at that time, he remembered our names, invited us back and we’ve all been parishioners ever since."

A Look to the Future

While the 175th anniversary is a significant milestone, Cupich emphasized that it’s also a time to look ahead to how the parish will serve people for generations to come. "This anniversary isn’t just to celebrate the past, it’s also about looking ahead to how we will continue to serve the people of God in the years to come," he said.

Conclusion

Holy Name Cathedral’s 175th anniversary celebration was a joyous occasion, bringing together the clergy and thousands of parishioners to mark a significant milestone in the history of the cathedral. As the parish looks to the future, it’s clear that its commitment to serving the spiritual needs of its community will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.

FAQs

• When was Holy Name Cathedral dedicated?
  • November 18, 1849
• When was the original Holy Name Church built?
  • 1849
• What was the significance of the Great Chicago Fire to Holy Name Cathedral?
  • The original building was lost in the fire, and a new cathedral was built four years later.
• What is the purpose of Holy Name Cathedral?
  • It serves as a parish and the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago, with a staff that serves the spiritual needs of over two million Catholics in the Chicago area.