When Christ Cathedral was dedicated on July 17, it became the nation’s newest cathedral, albeit the only one that formerly housed America’s first megachurch.
After a $77-million transformation, Christ Cathedral – once known as the late Rev. Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral – is the seat of Bishop Kevin Vann and headquarters of the Diocese of Orange.
Though dwarfed in comparison to the world’s largest church, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., which measures more than 200,000 square feet, Christ Cathedral nevertheless is one of the world’s largest centers of worship, measuring more than 78,000 square feet. While the Basilica has a capacity of 10,000 worshipers, Christ Cathedral can accommodate 2,250 people.
Prior to Christ Cathedral’s dedication, the most recently dedicated Catholic cathedral in the U.S. was in the Diocese of Knoxville, where its cathedral was dedicated March 3, 2018, by Bishop Richard Stika.
While Christ Cathedral’s unique history as a formerly Protestant church sets it apart, some of the world’s most famous and beautiful cathedrals also have interesting histories.
The sacred art featured in Christ Cathedral, created by a handful of world-renowned artists, is strikingly different than the artwork revered in European cathedrals. But given the new cathedral’s modern architecture, its streamlined, modernistic sacred art is appropriate and noteworthy.
Sacred art in Christ Cathedral features new work inspired by the life of Jesus Christ, who is depicted through modern iconography. The sacred art is designed to welcome worshippers into the presence of the Lord, introduce the communion of saints and the glory of Our Lady, the Blessed Mother, as well as to accompany us on our journey of faith inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Christ Cathedral’s sacred art may be created in a style far different than Michelangelo’s Pieta or Sistine Chapel, but its simplicity and elegance suit the cathedral’s sleek, modern architecture. In its own way, the sacred art of Christ Cathedral is striking, beautiful, and thought-provoking.
Full story at Orange County Catholic.
Apples and Oranges.
Critics will find many nits to pick. Supporters will find an equal number of features to praise.
they will restore Notre Dame in Paris [presumably with state of the art fire protection] because it is far more than just the physical building.
It is not even a true Catholic Church. The structure, the bones, the architectural essence of the buildings are Protestant. Moreover, even as a pseudo-Catholic Church, this building is appalling. Look at the swimming pool baptistry, the absence of altar rails, the inconsequential altar (and one that bears little resemblance to a Catholic altar.
This Church is a horror to the True Faith. It is an exhibit in the insistent litigation against Catholic believers. Let the Dead bury the Dead, as Jesus said; it is time to immediately lock the door to this building and find a true Catholic Church.
This Cathedral cannot be compared to the older Cathedrals because it was built in a different era. Christ’s Cathedral, by its design, promotes the TRUE faith to a modern world. Its conversion from a Protestant church to a Catholic Church reveals Christ’s desire for all to be converted to the Catholic faith. Praise be to God!
$77 M — that could have gone to pay off sex abuse crimes. Or, paid for the lavish lifestyles of a few priests…
Ah, St. Christopher, you are always helping to lead us safely on our journey. But, I like the old adage that when you come to a fork in the road – take it! I’ve spent the last fifty years searching for a building that just yelled at the top of its voice “I AM WHAT A CATHOLIC CHURCH LOOKS LIKE.” Haven’t found it yet, still looking. What is a church? It is simply a building in which the faithful gather to participate in the liturgy. Over the years that has meant different things to different generations.- structure, design, art, windows, etc. But the key element of any church, simple or ornate, is the gathering of communicants around the altar. The altar! I have been in the most ornate cathedrals of the world and the simplest of worship spaces in the middle of the woods at a Scout camp. They are all Catholic and they all center around the altar. What is the central point of St. Peter’s in Rome if not the altar. Everything else is supurfluest and a distraction and the more so if is really beautiful.
What a great observation…Bob One never found the perfect church, in the same way that when human beings try to express the sacred in art or music, or words, nothing is ever exactly IT! Thanks.
Go to any Catholic church in Europe build before 1950 and you will see what the true Catholic church looks and feels like. Just because you are ignorant of it, it does not mean that it does not exist. And yes, there is difference between a Church building and an altar in the woods. If you don’t know what it is, educate yourself.
Always happy to see Jesus has another home where true worship can take place. May He be worshipped and adored there and in all the tabernacles of the world. He who chose to be born in a stable and had no place to rest his head.as an adult. He waits for us Mother Teresa says. Is there and waits. So happy when we stop in to spend time with He who is King and Lord. He who is the answer to all the problems we face.
Yes may He be adored..