A Beacon of Hope for all People

Over the past few months, our Cathedral has undergone some restorations and renovations. Soon, we will rededicate it. Like all diocesan cathedrals around the world, our Cathedral serves as a symbol of both the local church and our connection with the entire Catholic Church. I suggest taking a moment to understand better what it means to have our cathedral.

Our Corpus Christi Cathedral symbolizes the Church’s universality and unity, not only across different places and times but also in the fullness of its faith and life. We mention this not to boast, but to honor God, who has been so good to us and, speaking and acting through us, desires to be just as generous to those who have not yet embraced our faith.

Within our cathedral, we experience the saving gifts that are part of the apostolic ministry exercised by our bishop. A cathedral is the place where the bishop most clearly serves as the chief shepherd of a diocese. It is the location of his cathedra, or seat of authority, a place where all seven of the sacraments are celebrated, and a place every Catholic can and should think of as home.

This is why our Cathedral is often called the Mother Church of our diocese. Looking at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and St. John Lateran in Rome, these two churches were initially called “mater omnium ecclesiarum” or “mother of all churches.” St. John Lateran became the Cathedral of Rome, where the bishop's cathedra was placed. This tradition continues to the present day, as the pope also serves as the bishop of Rome.

Mother Church of the diocese

Eventually, the name evolved to “ecclesia matrix,” meaning mother church or simply “major,” which is still used in this sense worldwide. This name reflects that the church hosts large diocesan gatherings that bring together priests serving the diocese's parishes around their bishop. It is also where the faithful of many parishes unite to celebrate these diocesan Masses, from which various things are provided to our parishes — for example, the ordinations of priests and deacons, who care for the parishes by serving the Church in union with our bishop, and the blessing and consecration of the Holy Oils in the Chrism Mass before Easter.

Our cathedral reminds us that, even though we are many parishes, we are one Church. The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council highlighted this idea about the communion of priests and all Catholics with their bishop. In Lumen Gentium, 28, we read:

“Priests, prudent cooperators with the Episcopal order, its support and instrument, called to serve the people of God, constitute one priesthood with their bishop, although bound by a diversity of duties. … By reason of this sharing in their priesthood and mission, priests should see in the bishop as a true father and obey him with all respect. And let the bishop, for his part, treat his priests, his helpers and co-workers, as his sons and friends, just as Christ called His disciples now not servants but friends (see Jn 15:15).”

Change and Continuity

Although cathedrals, basilicas, and churches undergo restorations and renovations, and their interiors may look different from what they once were, what always remains the same is our cathedral’s purpose and mission. Her true beauty is that she will remain a place where all seven sacraments are celebrated. 

Our cathedral will continue to be seen as a home for all Catholics and for those who arrive at her doorstep—some who were once lost but now have come home with an openness to receiving what she offers— the Love and Mercy of God. One particular change to our cathedral will be her new exterior doors. They will tell a true story about Jesus and us. It will remind everyone of who Jesus is, why Jesus came into the world and what Jesus offers – a Love that will not fail. 

With this in mind, let us remember that no parish, no priest, and no person exists in isolation. We are all bound together as the Body of Christ – Corpus Christi, connected to our bishop and to one another. Jesus Christ built His Church on the rock of Peter, and it is only in communion with the successors of the apostles that we can truly live the life to which Christ calls us and which He grants us as a gift. Of this truth, our cathedral stands as a beacon of hope for all people. Of this truth, we stand together as the Body of Christ, the living Church, and therefore, may God help us always make our Corpus Christi Cathedral, our Mother Church, a place of hope for everyone.