Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Boston) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Cathedral of the Holy Cross
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross seen from Washington Street in 2024.
42°20′26″N 71°04′10″W / 42.340693°N 71.069344°W / 42.340693; -71.069344
Location	1400 Washington Street Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Country	United States of America
Denomination	Roman Catholic Church
History
Status	Cathedral (also parish church)
Dedicated	December 8, 1875
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architect(s)	Patrick Keely
Style	Gothic Revival
Groundbreaking	April 29, 1866
Specifications
Capacity	1,700 people
Length	364 feet
Width	90 feet
Height	120 feet
Materials	Roxbury puddingstone and gray limestone
Administration
Archdiocese	Boston

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the main church for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston in Massachusetts. A cathedral is the home church of a bishop or archbishop. It is one of the biggest Catholic churches in the New England region of the United States.

The cathedral is located in Boston's South End neighborhood. Construction on the huge church began in 1866 and finished in 1875. As of 2025, the leader of the cathedral, called the rector, is Monsignor Kevin J. O'Leary.

The Story of the Cathedral
Inside the Cathedral
- Architecture
- The Pipe Organ
The Cathedral's Community
Cathedral High School
Gallery
See also

The Story of the Cathedral

A New Church for Boston

By 1860, the Catholic community in Boston had grown so much that its main church, also called Holy Cross, was too small. Bishop John Fitzpatrick wanted to build a new, larger one. However, his plans were put on hold when the American Civil War started in 1861.

After the war ended in 1865, a new bishop, John Williams, took charge of the project. He chose a spot in Boston's South End. At the time, many new immigrants, especially from Ireland, were moving into this neighborhood.

To pay for the new cathedral, the church asked for donations. Wealthy Catholics gave money, and a "Church Debt Society" was created for working class families. Members of the society donated 50 cents a month to help build the church. The church also held concerts, fairs, and raffles to raise more money.

Building a Grand Cathedral

Work on the new cathedral officially began on April 29, 1866. Archbishop Williams named it Holy Cross because the church owned a special relic. A relic is an object from a holy person. This relic was a small piece of wood believed to be from the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The beautiful new Cathedral of the Holy Cross was officially opened and dedicated on December 8, 1875.

Important Events at the Cathedral

Over the years, the cathedral has hosted many important events.

In 1964, a special service was held for U.S. President John F. Kennedy after his death. The service was broadcast on TV and radio across the country. The famous Boston Symphony Orchestra played music during the event.
In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral during his first trip to the United States. He led a prayer service for 2,000 priests.
In 2013, a prayer service was held for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke at the service.

Renovations and Repairs

In 2018, the cathedral had its first major renovation since it was built. Workers replaced the old wooden floors with stone, restored the pews (benches), and installed a modern electrical system and air conditioning. The project cost $26 million and was finished in 2019.

In 2010, the precious relic of the holy cross was stolen. A month later, a man in Vermont returned it to the police. The relic was safely returned to the church, which now only displays it on special occasions.

Inside the Cathedral

A view from the side area of the church, called the transept.

Architecture

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross was designed by architect Patrick Keely in the Gothic Revival style. This style is known for its pointed arches, tall spires, and large windows, like the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages in Europe.

The building is very large. It is 120 feet (37 m) tall, 364 feet (111 m) long, and 90 feet (27 m) wide. The original plans included two tall towers, but they were never built. The main church can seat 2,000 people. There is also a smaller chapel in the lower level for smaller services. For a long time, it was the largest cathedral in New England.

The cathedral is built from a special local rock called Roxbury puddingstone, which has a bumpy, colorful look, along with gray limestone.

The Pipe Organ

The cathedral has a huge pipe organ that was built in 1875 by the E. and G. G. Hook & Hastings Company. A pipe organ creates sound by forcing air through hundreds of pipes of different sizes. In 2003, the organ was restored with a new console that is an exact copy of the original one from 1875.

The Cathedral's Community

The cathedral serves a large community with services in both English and Spanish. It is also a special home for three other Catholic groups in the Boston area:

Catholics from Ethiopia and Eritrea who practice the Ge'ez Rite, a different style of worship.
A German-speaking Catholic group.
A community that celebrates the Tridentine Mass, which is the traditional Latin Mass.

Cathedral High School

In 1927, a high school was founded right next to the cathedral. It was named Cathedral High School and is still open today, providing education for local students.