Oakland bishop blesses site of cathedral to replace quake-damaged one

Published: 2004-05-25

OAKLAND, Calif. (CNS) -- Declaring that the new Cathedral of Christ the Light will be a "true icon of Jesus Christ," Oakland Bishop Allen H. Vigneron blessed the ground on which the cathedral will be built in downtown Oakland. About 350 people attended the May 23 multicultural ceremony. "We are undertaking an important work that will help us form into a strong community to do God's work," the bishop told the crowd before leading them from the plaza overlooking the site to the cathedral location, now a parking lot. "Here God will nourish us so we can live in light and love," he said. The 33,000-square-foot church will feature soaring wooden latticework encased in glass with portals facing Lake Merritt. The wooden latticework will rise from a sturdy base, which will be carved out to include a chapel and reconciliation rooms. The cathedral will seat 1,500 with a small chapel able to accommodate another 200. Underneath will be a mausoleum.

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