By Msgr. Neal Quartier | Rector, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Time certainly goes by fast! It has been one year since the restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated with a festive Eucharistic liturgy. After many years of planning, the restoration was accomplished through the commitment of so many people around the diocese.
In this past year, hundreds of people have visited the Cathedral for the first time and truly stood in awe at its beauty. I often sit in the Cathedral when the doors are locked and never cease to be amazed by its grandeur. There isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t point out to me the sense of peace and reverence they feel as they visit to pray or worship at this amazing sacred space. I often hear comments such as, “I’ve traveled all over Europe and this is as good or better than any of their Cathedrals.” We have many people taking tours who are seeing the Cathedral for the first time. During the Arts and Crafts Festival this summer, over 1,000 people walked through the doors. They came from a variety of different faiths and all were so impressed. Many contributed to the restoration and wanted to see the final project. For others it was the first time they had been in a Catholic Church. What a wonderful first impression we make.
We have more couples wanting to be married at the Cathedral than we can possibly accommodate. With the Marriott Hotel also newly renovated there are many more visitors in the downtown area who gather with us at Mass on Sunday or just stop in to pray. As the old Hotel Syracuse is now on the top ten list of restored hotels it wouldn’t surprise me if our beautiful Cathedral made the top ten of restored cathedrals. We have to believe that the beauty of our sacred space is a big factor as we have seen an uptick in our new parishioners and an increase in our sacramental programs.
I am so grateful to the very committed Catholic faithful of our diocese who made financial sacrifices to bring this great space back to life again. So many have been so faithful in paying their pledges. Sacred spaces are integral in the life of God’s people. This is your Cathedral and you are welcome to worship with us or simply visit. Thank you for your support in our amazing restoration.
Visit the Mother Church of the diocese
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Masses are celebrated at 5:10 p.m. on Saturdays; 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., and 5:10 p.m. on Sundays; and 12:10 p.m. on weekdays. To schedule a guided tour of the Cathedral, call the rectory at (315) 422-4177. Visit cathedralsyracuse.org to learn more.
Make a virtual visit
To see photos from before, during, and after the Cathedral’s restoration and rededication, visit cathedral.thecatholicsun.com.
