THE CATHEDRAL OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

ECCE TABERNACULUM DEI CUM HOMINIBUS

(Behold the dwelling place of God with men.)

Inscription on the front steps of the Cathedral.

Important features of the Cathedral and its construction:

Dimensions                                                                            Construction

Height (street to top of dome):                                            September 17, 1924 --- Ground Broken

                        198 feet                                                            May 30, 1926 --- Cornerstone laid

Length:                                                                                            25th Anniversary of erection of diocese.

                        264 feet                                                           1929 --- Construction halted

Width:                                                                                            Stock Market Crash

                        120 feet                                                           September 7, 1931 --- Unfinished Cathedral

Height (floor to nave vault):                                                        opened for public worship.

                        74 feet                                                              Over next 28 years, Bishop Guilfoyle

Height (floor to eye of dome):                                                      accumulates funds for completion.

                        152 feet                                                            November 13, 1960 --- Cathedral formally

                                                                                                          opened by Bishop McCormick

EXTERIOR STATUES   

St. John Neumann (1811-1860)

Angel of the Immigrants

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)

Angel of the Schools

Born in Bohemia, St. John came to the United States 1836 and was ordained in New York. He dedicated himself to working among the immigrants, especially the Germans. In 1842, he became a Redemptorist (the first to take his vows in the United States). In 1852, he became the fourth bishop of Philadelphia and was known for his work in education.

In 1977, he became the first American male saint.

Elizabeth was born in New York City and would marry William Seton in 1794. Unfortunately, her husband died in Pisa, Italy in 1803, leaving Elizabeth with five children. Returning to the United States, she became a Catholic and opened a school in Baltimore. In 1809, she formed the Sisters of St. Joseph and founded a school for poor children. In 1813, she founded the Sisters of Charity, the first American religious society.

In 1975, she was canonized and became the first American-born saint.

.

St. John Neumann (1811-1860)

Angel of the Immigrants

Born in Bohemia, St. John came to the United States 1836 and was ordained in New York. He dedicated himself to working among the immigrants, especially the Germans. In 1842, he became a Redemptorist (the first to take his vows in the United States). In 1852, he became the fourth bishop of Philadelphia and was known for his work in education.

In 1977, he became the first American male saint.

                                                  

Main Cathedral Doors

Portico of the Cathedral

Main Doors to the Cathedral

The main doors to the Cathedral are etched glass.  The two center doors represent Jesus at the Last Supper; in one holding the bread and in the other the cup which will become His Body & Blood. The doors on either side represent traditional symbols for the four Evangelists:  Matthew, the Human Being; Luke, the Ox; Mark, the Lion; and John, the Eagle.

       

ENTER

 

Main

 

Information on the saints in this Web Page:

Delaney, John J., Pocket Dictionary of Saints; Image Books, Garden City, New York, 1983.

Tour Counter: