Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today we reflect on the meaning and significance of the cathedral in the life of our diocese. A cathedral is not simply a large or beautiful church, nor is it just a central place where the bishop presides. It is, rather, a sign of who we are as God’s people, a reminder that we are one family of faith gathered in Christ.

The word cathedral comes from the Latin cathedra, meaning “chair.” At the heart of every cathedral is the bishop’s chair, which is not a symbol of power or privilege, but of teaching, unity, and service. From this chair the bishop preaches the Gospel, guides the diocese, and celebrates the sacraments that give life to the Church. The cathedral, then, is the mother church of the diocese, bringing together all the parishes and communities into one body under one shepherd.

When we walk into the cathedral, we encounter more than stone, glass, and wood. We enter a place that has been consecrated as a dwelling place of God. Here heaven and earth meet in the celebration of the Eucharist. Here the bishop ordains priests and deacons, blesses the holy oils at the Chrism Mass, and leads prayer during significant moments of the Church’s year. This is where our diocesan family gathers at its most important times. Just as a family comes home for milestones and celebrations, so too the diocese gathers at its cathedral to rejoice, to mourn, to pray, and to hope together.

But the cathedral’s meaning goes beyond what happens within its walls. Its very presence is a sign of Christ’s presence in the world.  The cathedral points us to God, reminding us that faith should be at the center of our lives. Its doors are open to all, inviting every person—whether rich or poor, parishioner or stranger—to encounter God’s love and mercy. The cathedral is a house of prayer for all peoples, a place of welcome and hope.

In the spiritual sense, the cathedral also reminds us of what St. Paul teaches: “You are God’s temple, and God’s Spirit dwells in you” (1 Cor 3:16). As beautiful as this building may be, its true significance lies in what it represents: the living temple of the Church, built not of stone but of people. We, the baptized, are the living stones that form the Body of Christ. The cathedral unites us, but it also sends us forth. Every Mass celebrated here ends with a mission: to go out and bring Christ to the world.

So, my brothers and sisters, today as we give thanks for the gift of our cathedral, let us remember that it is more than a building—it is a living sign of our communion in Christ. Today let us commit to remaining faithful, to growing in unity, and to bringing the light of Christ from this place to everyone we encounter.

St. Jude the Apostle…pray for us.  Amen.