Our beloved cathedral was consecrated on October 4, 1848. Therefore our 175th Anniversary will be October 4, 2023. Such an auspicious historical event cannot be celebrated on one day only. Beginning this October 4th we will celebrate our 175th year until October 4, 2023 with special prayerful celebratory events planned for each month.
The overarching theme will be living stones: celebrating the blessings bestowed on the Cathedral by Almighty God for these 175 years; the blessings on the living stones worshipping Almighty God in the past, celebrating the blessings the Father has showered upon us, the living stones who come here today to worship, and prepare for the blessings His Spirit will pour out upon those living stones who will come here in the future.
Our inspiration comes from 1 Peter 2:4-5
The term living stones in 1 Peter 2:5 is used as a metaphor to illustrate the secure and intimate relationship believers have with Jesus, who is described in the previous verse as the “Living Stone” (1 Peter 2:4). Together, these two verses picture how Christ and His followers are joined by God Himself:
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:4–5).
y
STAY TUNED
There have been several committees meeting over the past two years preparing for the various aspects of celebrating this great event.
Daily while I am away there will be wonderful historical tidbits in the Flocknote. Over the past three years Angela Gambin and Ellen Hawman have been pouring through the archives and have discovered a true smorgasbord of great moments in our history. Even to the name of the cathedral: St. Mary's Cathedral is an affectionate shorthand for the consecratory title of the cathedral: The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Try to fit that on letterhead! Mercy!
When I return from my retreat in August pay close attention to the Flocknote as the full program of events will be published as we plan to kick off our 175th Year this October 4th, 2022.
