Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Syracuse, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception |
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 Location in New York
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| 43°02′48.55″N 76°08′59.4″W / 43.0468194°N 76.149833°W | |
| Location | 240 E. Onondaga St. Syracuse, New York 13202 |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | www.cathedralsyracuse.org |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral |
| Founded | 1830 |
| Dedication | Immaculate Conception |
| Consecrated | 1874 (as Parish Church) 1904 (as Cathedral) |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Original Church Lawrence J. O'Connor 1904 Expansion Archimedes Russell |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Completed | 1874 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Syracuse |
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a very important church in Syracuse, New York. It is the main church for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. Think of it as the "home base" for the Bishop of Syracuse, who is currently Douglas Lucia.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
How the Church Started
The building we see today was first built in 1874. It was designed by Lawrence J. O'Connor. Back then, it was called Saint Mary's Church.
Later, in 1887, the Diocese of Syracuse was created. This meant Syracuse got its own special church area. In 1904, Bishop Patrick Ludden chose Saint Mary's Church to become the new Cathedral.
Expanding the Cathedral
To make it a grand cathedral, Archimedes Russell, an architect, was hired. He designed a new holy area (called a sanctuary) and a tall bell tower. For this expansion, the church bought and tore down a nearby building.
Becoming the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The new, expanded church was renamed The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. It was officially blessed in 1910. For this special event, Pope Leo XIII sent a unique gift: a brick from the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. This is a very important door that is only opened for special occasions.
When Bishop Ludden passed away in 1912, he was buried in a special room called a Crypt beneath the Cathedral. Three other bishops and two monsignors (important church leaders) are also buried there.
The Cathedral Today
Community Services
The Cathedral is not just a place for worship. It also helps the community a lot. It offers weekend and daily masses (church services). The Cathedral Emergency Services runs a food pantry downtown. This pantry helps people who need food.
Amaus Health Services, located at the Cathedral, provides medical and dental care. They help people who might not have health insurance or a home. This service is very important for those who struggle to get healthcare.
Special Features and Art
The Cathedral has a beautiful area called the Shrine of the Blessed Mother. Here, you can see a statue of Mary. It was made by Jacqueline Belfort-Chalat, a professor from LeMoyne College.
In 2013, a large mosaic was added near the Sacred Heart Altar. A mosaic is a picture made from small pieces of colored glass or stone. This mosaic shows Saint Marianne Cope. She is surrounded by people with leprosy (Hansen's Disease) whom she cared for in Hawaii. This mosaic is very big, about 10 feet by 5 feet, and was custom-made in Italy. Saint Marianne Cope grew up and worked in Central New York before going to Hawaii to help others.
Music and Events
The Cathedral is also a place for music! It hosts concerts and musicals. High schools, colleges, and professional groups perform there. You can even find a CD with music played on the Cathedral's old 1892 Roosevelt-Schantz organ.
Recent Renovations
The Cathedral had a big renovation project in 2017. It was rededicated on September 8, 2017. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert J. Cunningham led the special Mass for its reopening.
See also
- In Spanish: Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (Syracuse) para niños
- List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
- List of cathedrals in the United States
- Roman Catholic Marian churches
