Basilica Cathedral of St. Cecilia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Basilica Cathedral of St. Cecilia
Front entrance
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Location	Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec
Country	Canada
Denomination	Roman Catholic
Weekly attendance	1250 (in 2022)
Website	www.basilique-cathedrale.com
History
Authorising papal bull	1855
Status	Cathedral, minor basilica
Dedication	Saint Cecilia and Christ the King
Dedicated	February 9, 1991
Consecrated	1985
Cult(s) present	Roman Catholic
Past bishop(s)	Luc Cyr
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	Louis-Napoléon Audet Henri Labelle Eugène Perron Jean-Marie Lafleur
Architectural type	Norman-Gothic
Style	Neo-Gothic
Completed	1935
Specifications
Capacity	1500
Nave width	26 m (85 ft 4 in)
Number of floors	2
Number of towers	2
Number of spires	3
Materials	Concrete, rocks
Bells	6
Tenor bell weight	10,043 lb (4,555 kg)
Administration
Parish	St. Cecilia
Diocese	Valleyfield

The Basilica Cathedral of St. Cecilia is a beautiful and important church in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Canada. It is a special kind of church called a cathedral, which is the main church for a diocese (a church region). It is also a minor basilica, a title given by the Pope to churches that are very important for religious reasons. This church is dedicated to Saint Cecilia, who is known as the patron saint of musicians.

Discovering St. Cecilia's Cathedral

The Basilica Cathedral of St. Cecilia is a significant landmark in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. It serves as the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Valleyfield. This means it is where the bishop of the diocese has his official seat. The church was officially recognized as a basilica on February 9, 1991.

Who is Saint Cecilia?

The cathedral is named after Saint Cecilia, a Christian saint. She is especially known as the patron saint of musicians. This is because, even at her wedding, she sang praises to God in her heart. Her story is one of faith and devotion.

What is a Basilica?

A basilica is a church that has been given a special honor by the Pope. There are two types: major basilicas and minor basilicas. St. Cecilia's is a minor basilica. This title is given to churches that are very important because of their history, art, or spiritual significance. It means they are special places of worship and pilgrimage.

Building the Cathedral

The construction of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Cecilia was a big project. It took many years to complete. The church was finished in 1935.

Architectural Style

The cathedral was designed by several architects, including Louis-Napoléon Audet and Henri Labelle. It features a Neo-Gothic style, which means it looks like the grand Gothic churches from the Middle Ages. This style is known for its tall spires, pointed arches, and large stained-glass windows. The building is made from strong materials like concrete and rocks.

Key Features of the Design

The cathedral has two main towers and three spires that reach towards the sky. Inside, the nave (the main part of the church where people sit) is about 26 meters (85 feet) wide. The church can hold up to 1500 people, which is a very large capacity. It also has six bells, with the heaviest one weighing over 10,000 pounds!

The Cathedral Today

Today, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Cecilia is an active church. It continues to be a central place for the Roman Catholic community in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Many people attend services here, and it remains a beautiful example of religious architecture.

Religious Leaders

The current bishop of the Diocese of Valleyfield is Noel Simard. He leads the diocese from this cathedral. The church also has priests, like Father Normand Bergeron, and deacons, such as Jocelyn Leduc, who help with services and community activities.

See also

In Spanish: Catedral basílica de Santa Cecilia (Valleyfield) para niños