Chicago cathedral closed for ceiling, roof structure repairs

Published: 2008-03-10

CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Chicago Archdiocese announced March 7 that Holy Name Cathedral will remain closed until early May so the building's ceiling and roof structure can be repaired. The cathedral has been closed since Feb. 26 when forensic engineers determined that structural weakness caused a 10-pound piece of decorative wood to fall from the ceiling during the night Feb. 12. The cathedral was unoccupied at the time. Once the cathedral was closed, workers began securing the decorative 19th-century wooden ceiling from a canopy atop massive scaffolding, and parish Masses and other services were moved to the parish center. Engineers had hoped to have the repairs completed in time for the cathedral to reopen for Easter services. According to Father Dan Mayall, the cathedral's pastor, most regular parish liturgies will remain scheduled on the cathedral campus and at various nearby locations.

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