Name the Cathedral

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 12:54 AM By Dan
Very Episcopalian (or Lutheran), Bishop Brown’s suggestion.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 1:17 AM By Clinton
“It is our goal to make the new cathedral a gathering place for Catholics and other people of faith.” A gathering place? Other people of faith? Oh boy. Sounds like Bp. Brown is gearing the place up to be a modernistic home for false ecumenism. Sure, all people are welcome at any Catholic parish, but they are holy sites to honor God and pray to Him is His presence and to receive His Precious Body and Blood at Mass. The phrase ‘gathering place’ conjurs up a hall or auditorium where people meet up to talk or be entertained.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 3:27 AM By CGS
I suggested Transfiguration. Works on many levels.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 4:10 AM By Lisa C
Forgive me, I’m trying, but seeing this building on a regular basis makes it all the more difficult to realize it is now my Cathedral. Anyways, what’s the Latin word for GreenHouse? Better yet an enormous GreenHouse?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 5:40 AM By Truthlover
Maybe “Christ of the Living Waters”.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 6:09 AM By St. Christopher
Dear Bishop Brown, try “St. Athanasius”, or “St. Retirement”. This is not a Protestant church, so the name should reflect those with Christ, such as his Holy Mother. Whoops, we don’t want to use the name of “Mary” in any way, do we! “Queen of All Saints” is a great name, though. Perhaps you might consider that. You know, Bishop Brown, the new Catholic Church to be is for Catholics to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. You know, Calvary and all that stuff no longer taught in seminaries. This is not a “Happy Place” where Catholics and Protestants get to all act alike. A true Catholic Church is always open to all, but as a place to find the truth, not as a social hall, or ecumenical center. How better to invite all in than to name the Church for Christ’s Mother? In fact, it sort of makes the case for the ultimate success promised by Christ for believers in this world over Satan. Nope, can’t say that either, too “triumphalist”. Still, something like: “St. Mary Mother of God,” or “Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral” does have a nice ring. Enough “Christological relevance”?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 6:32 AM By Donald Casillo
I submit “John Paul the Great” Cathedral.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 7:21 AM By Catherine
Sure! Why not? Let’s just mix it all up as much as many Catholics are truly mixed up about what the Catechism of the Catholic Church actually teaches on “specific issues”? How about naming this New Age Greenhouse, “Dr. Robert H. Shuller Catholic Church”? For those who are not mixed up, not dazed and not confused, it will be referred to as “Disappointment Central.”

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 7:43 AM By Annasher
St Peter Luminous Rock

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 7:46 AM By TM
Cathedral of Christ the King Pope Pius XI desire to remember Christ as true King of the world seems all the more needed today.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 7:51 AM By Juergensen
“It is our goal to make the new cathedral a gathering place for Catholics and other people of faith” – What “other people of faith”? Since when is a Catholic church a gathering place for other faiths?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 7:55 AM By Life Lady
Something to do with Christ’s “activities”?! Excuse me, but the only “thing to do with Christ’s activities” would be the point of His coming to us in the first place. How about the ultimate description: Christ, King and Redeemer. Does that say anything to you?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 8:53 AM By Juergensen
I would think a bishop would be more concerned with the Catholic faith and less concerned with “other people of faith” and “the larger community.”

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 9:01 AM By Laurette Elsberry
How about “St. Francis Borgia”? He is especially invoked against earthquakes. This cathedral has a particular vulnerability in that an earthquake (or explosion) could shatter the glass and skewer the congregation.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 10:02 AM By Jack K.
Since he has ecumenism in mind, how about “The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd”.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 10:16 AM By John F. Maguire
A modest but Marian name would be indicated. What flew into my head this morning was: Our Lady of the Gardens. ~ What primarily recommends this name, I venture, is that it is Marian. What secondarily recommends this name is that it alludes to the Cathedral’s location, namely Garden Grove. Other reasons also figure. *An image that balances out the high and ethereal Crystalline image would be this, and just this, contrastively earthy image of gardens. *St. Anthony Gianelli’s religious order bears the name Our Lady of the Garden. So for consideration I respectfully submit: OUR LADY OF THE GARDENS CATHEDRAL, Garden Grove, California. ~ Whether it is advisable, all things considered, also to retain the name CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL, we can leave as an open question, even while it is worth noting that OUR LADY OF THE GARDENS CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL (1) retains continuity of reference and (2) sounds good to the ear.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 10:18 AM By Gregorian
Christ the Redeemer, or Holy Redeemer would be good choices.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 11:11 AM By Charles in CenCA
I second the “Transfiguration” assignation as particularly apt.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 11:11 AM By Abeca Christian
Bishop Brown please don’t let go of our Catholicism! Don’t let go of tradition! Please I beg you to not allow others outside of our faith think that we are like other protestant churches and that anyone can come and visit and disrespect our Lord and His church in any way! In order to convert many we must remain reverent, holy etc, we must! If we are like other protestant sects, then there would be no reason to bring Jesus to them, no reason to expect salvation for them in our faith! If they can just get fed else where, why then try? I say no! We must honor our Lord, He shed so much blood and gives us so much love, that He deserves better from man. People say trust God in the process, yes but I do not trust man! Only through Christ, trust is restored. We pray for our bishops and priest and our Pope today and everyday for their loyalty to true Christianity, which is true Catholicism! Praise be Jesus Christ!

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 12:13 PM By MD
Christological…I would say Christ the King Cathedral, Sacred Heart Cathedral or something like Crystal Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 12:25 PM By John F. Maguire
In reply to Abeca C.: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the primary act of worship of the Cartholic Church. To come to know the Church then is to come to know the Mass as the one and same Sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, but now offered unbloodily and ministerially, Christ and Christ alone always already the Sovereign Priest in this most holy act of worship and praise. In this context, Abeca, interested non-Catholics are always welcome to attend Mass on Sunday and/or on week days, knowing as they do that (to date) they are not Catholics, whence the Church’s proper reservation of the reception of Holy Communion, but also knowing as they do that to come to know the Catholic Church is to come to know its primary act of worship.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 12:28 PM By MacDonald
How about one of these two Evangelists, who not only told the world about Christ, but whose patronage also has to do with glass and windows? •Glass workers: Luke, October 18 •Glaziers (people who fit glass in windows): Mark, April 25 After all, this new cathedral is very…windowy.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 12:40 PM By Matthew
Visitor: “Can you please tell me where the Cathedral of XYZ is located?” Local OC resident: **shrugs** I have no idea. What did you say the name was? Vistor: The Cathedral of XYZ? Local OC resident: ***shrugs*** and ***shakes head*** Vistor: You know, the old Crystal Cathedral? Local OC resident: “oooooooooooooooooh…”

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 1:26 PM By Abeca Christian
John F. Maguire but if one is not Catholic they can not receive communion. Also we must revere our Lord when we walk in. We can’t have pastors of from other sects up on the alter with our priests celebrating Mass. Etc etc There are many reasons why I posted what I posted. Your comments tells me that you think me ignorant. I know that you are not ignorant of the issues within the church, you have read them here on this forum but you might dismiss them, perhaps?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 2:07 PM By JLS
On the precise moment of the winter solstice in years when the moon is also exactly at full, where does the glass structure focus the light? Same with the spring solstice only at high noon with the sun’s rays? Same spot?

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 2:10 PM By contrary
Epiphany. It is a Christological name. It has a lot to do with “light”: the light of of Christ, who is “light from light”, and the “light of revelation to Gentiles”; and the Magi who followed the light of the star. It means a “shining through” or a “manifestation” of God, which is an idea implicit in the abundance of glass in the architecture. Also, in California, so many immigrants, like the Magi, came from afar, from the East (either the East coast, or the Far East of Asia).

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 2:43 PM By William
The Cathedral of “Christ Our Light.”

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 2:57 PM By John F. Maguire
In reply to Abeca: I’ve already emphasized “the Church’s proper reservation of the reception of Holy Communion.” Your original post spoke of “anyone” who “comes and visits” a Catholic Church, so I’ll leave aside the fact that you’re now citing the abuse of faux concelebrants. No, what needs to be emphasized is that non-Catholic visitors are welcome to attend Mass, and although Holy Communion is reserved, the Church has always recognized the reality of actual graces attendant upon a visit by a non-Catholic to a Catholic Church. Granted, the receipt of actual graces from a “spiritual communion” by a non-Catholic visitor is a different reality than the receipt of sanctifying grace upon the actual receipt of the Blessed Eucharist. Still, Abeca, the Catholic Church recognizes both realities. Here is an example of a formal act of “spiritual communion” to be said by a non-communicant who has received the grace of inclinement to spiritual communion: “My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.” Expectably, after a certain period of time attending Mass, there will be a number of non-Catholics inclined to spiritual communion.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 3:03 PM By Daniel
Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” We won’t get more Christological than that. As I recall, there is a large statue of the Good Shepherd at the Crystal Cathedral, so this name would recognize the past while establishing a new identity with a traditional Catholic name.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 3:52 PM By Joe
I would love the see a huge & beautiful monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament as the focal point in the Cathedral, and naming the cathedral the “Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.”

Posted Monday, February 13, 2012 9:15 PM By Jeff
Light of the World Cathedral

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:18 AM By MacDonald
John 8:12…”The Cathedral of Jesus Christ, Light of the World.”

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:16 AM By MIKE
Christ the King.

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:06 AM By Maryanne Leonard
Christ the King, Light of the World

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 12:45 PM By Tracy
For a while now I thought that a good name would be “Mary, Gate of Heaven Cathedral” as the walls of the Cathedral open up to the outside and of course, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will be on the inside. But now, given the Bishop’s restrictions, my vote is with William “Christ our Light Cathedral” The only thing that will save this country and world IS the Light of Christ! So I think this would be a wonderful name!

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 1:48 PM By Mac
The Crystal Cathedral of Jesus Christ The Crystal Cathedral of Christ the King The Cathedral of Jesus the Christ

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:18 PM By Klaas
How about honouring the man whom God used to build the Cathedral? It would not have been a Catholic church if Schullar had not had an inspiration the night before the court date to desire to keep the property a place of worship. No matter what name is given to the building, history has already attested to it’s origin as a Reformed Church.

Posted Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:58 PM By JLS
HUMOR: There should also be a large statue of Rev Bob Schuller inside at one of the side altars. An engraving by it should say, “From drive in movie lot to glass church to Catholic cathedral with one easy smile”.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 10:06 AM By John F. Maguire
Where, I’m wondering, is the humor in a mawkish post published at the expense of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen’s good friend, the Reverend Robert H. Schuller? Where is an understanding of the real history of the Crystal Cathedral, which history has had its share of tears? Where is the respect for traditional statuary practice at Church side altars? ~ Gothic/neo-Gothic architectural fixations aside, the truth is that the Catholic community as a whole is profoundly grateful to Reverend Schuller for his decision to ensure that the Crystal Cathedral remain within the ambit of Christendom, which is to say, within the ambit of the kingship of Christ.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:51 PM By Harv
Funny, I recall months ago how so many bloggers were against the acquisition of the Crystal Cathedral as it was hardly fitting/acceptable for catholic worship services. Now these bloggers seem to have grown accepting to the purchase and are excited about being the winner of naming it. Too bad the diocese didn’t offer some sort of prize money for the winner’s favorite charity.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 6:20 PM By JLS
Harv, the names are different … which you’ll see if you review the threads.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:08 PM By Angelo
I was against the acquisition of this building, but since Rome approved, I cannot disapprove. So my suggestion is, christ yesterday, today, and forever.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 8:48 PM By JLS
Angelo, the approval of a building by “Rome” is not a doctrine, and you are free to disapprove of it.

Posted Wednesday, February 15, 2012 9:51 PM By Maryanne Leonard
Harv, I don’t think we’re excited so much as accommodating to reality. Maybe if they pull off a miracle in transforming this complex into something that feels truly Catholic, we’ll actually become excited. Meantime, this was excellent stewardship of the funds, it must be admitted, and allows for possibilities that could not have been accommodated before. It is best to make the best of a challenging situation when it becomes an irrefutable fact. I don’t think that describes our being excited.

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 12:29 AM By Kenneth M. Fisher
Name it what you want, I want no part of it! I may visit it once to see where they have placed Our Lord, but only that once! God bless, yours in Their Hearts, Kenneth M. Fisher

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 6:34 AM By Klaas
Maryanne, the reality also is that the early Christians in Rome worshiped in the catacombs and many became blinded by the daylight after surfacing months later. What you are having to put up with the Cathdreal first being a Protestant church and changing into a Catholic church may be to some a thorn in the flesh for your Catholic community in OC, however, it will create a certain humility and thankfulness to God for providing some sacred space in a stress-filled world.

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 11:43 AM By Worldweary
The Cathedral of Christ Jesus Redeemer. And I would suggest that an appropriate paragraph or two from Blessed John Paul II’s encyclical Redemptor Hominis (Redeemer of Man) be posted in some prominent place near the entrance.

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 12:21 PM By John F. Maguire
It is not a question of doctrine — it is a question of a proper respect for ecclesial authority. No Catholic is free to boycott an episcopal see without just cause. Indeed, to do so is to impede the apostolic work of a local ordinary — in the present instance, a local ordinary who is in receipt of Vatican approval of his new see and its Cathedral. From within this perspective, JLS, we must take care not to underestimate the pivotal and dispositive importance of the Vatican’s NIHIL OBSTAT (no obstacle) judgment in favor of the inclusion of the Crystal Cathedral within the Catholic liturgical tradition.

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 12:33 PM By Catherine
Harv, You are wrong! CCD is wisely editing all of the posts. While some are distracted by getting to name this disappointment, others see right through it.

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 1:23 PM By Tota Tua
TM – I like that the best Cathedral of Christ the King!!!!

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 2:37 PM By Harv
Catherine, I am truly glad you feel that way, that not everyone is still in favor of it. I am one who wasn’t in favor of this sterile building of glass and steel tubing. Now be careful, don’t anyone throw any stones!

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 3:09 PM By Anne T.
Praise the Lord this will still remain a church. I have heard of a Seven Day Adventist church which was turned into a traditional Catholic church. And Kenneth Fisher never say never. (Lots of laughs.)

Posted Friday, February 17, 2012 5:28 AM By Angelo
Kenneth M. Fisher, I accept that Rome approved of this being the New Cathedral. But that does’nt change the fact that I see this building as an ugly eyesore not worthy of God. I have no plans to visit it even once.

Posted Friday, February 17, 2012 8:55 AM By Maryanne Leonard
One thing I’m grateful for is that at least the opposite is not happening, as it did to the exquisite little stone church in which I grew up. It was sold to the Protestants and a new, modern church built nearby for Catholics. I’m grateful that it is still a church and not a restaurant or a bed and breakfast, but it still hurts so badly even to think of what happened to our beautiful stone church, built by hand by volunteers in the 1800’s. What a loss.

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:02 PM By Angelo
Maryanne Leonard, Your story is the same story of many, many Catholics. Whats sad is that there is no consolation for us. Many of our glorious Churches are now gone, and we can never bring them back. People and their loved ones lives, begin in the parish Church through Baptism and ends with ones Requiem Mass. When such Churches are sold or destroyed the hearts of many are wounded. I don’t understand how this does’nt even faze those in the Church responsible for this. My wife relates to me about their 400 year Spanish Colonial Church in her Hometown in Mexico. A new priest comes in, a total stranger to the people, town and Church. The priest decides to tear down the Church and build a modern one. The townspeople practicaly riot. Their Bishop replaces the priest and today the stone Church with its cobble stone plaza is intact. I wish we had the same stories to tell, but ours seem to be only tragic ones.

Posted Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:14 PM By Angelo
JLS, I understand this is not a matter of Church Doctine. But Rome did approve and we can do nothing. With the amount of money spent to aquire this building a beautiful long lasting Cathedral could have been built. This building looks somewhat disposable. One major earthquake and it will be raining glass. I’m saddened that Rome approved, but approve it did. Now its just sadly “grin and bear it” on our part.

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:43 AM By frank M. Manzi
My Name for The Cathedral is: Christ The King Cathedral!

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2012 12:31 PM By MJ
Many good suggested names. What about Divine Mercy Cathedral?

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2012 4:46 PM By GGCC-1965
Cathedral of Christ. the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd statue by Henry Van Wolf was the first sculpture placed at the church (ca. 1964). It has been iconic in the life of GGCC/Crystal Cathedral ever since. Dr. Schuller often described the grounds as resembling the 23rd Psalm reference to green pastures and still waters. Moreover, there is no Cathedral of that name in North America, although many parishes bear that name and at least two Cathedrals (in Peru and South Africa) are so named. There is already a Cathedral of Christ, the Light in Oakland, CA. The Holy See-approved name for the proposed Cathedral in the OC was Christ, Our Savior. Other good possibilities would be Christ, the Redeemer, and Christ, the King. To the person proposing a statue of Schuller, there are already statues of Schuller, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, and Billy Graham in the private library on the fourth floor of the Welcoming Center. With any luck, the Diocese will sell off some of the kitschier statues to Forest Lawn–especially the unfortunate Flight to Egypt which features the infamous space alien baby Jesus.

Posted Sunday, February 19, 2012 9:21 PM By JLS
Angelo, hopefully the diocese bought a substantial insurance policy that covers earthquake … which might double or triple the premium.

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 7:26 AM By Amy
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathderal…..patroness of the Americas.

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 6:02 PM By Klaas
Christ the Redeemer Cathedral. A name that both the Reformed Church and the Catholic Church would admire and bring to mind our common love for Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 7:20 PM By JLS
How about “All Faith Glass Religious Building and Coffee Shop”?

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 7:27 PM By MacDonald
Lumen Christi Cathedral. In honor of the Easter Vigil Mass, during which we celebrate the Risen Lord while singing this beautiful Latin chant: Lumen Christi…Deo gratias!

Posted Monday, February 20, 2012 10:38 PM By Abeca Christian
JLS I do love your humor, it’s hilarious, in a awesome Chrystal way! hahaha. I appreciate the humor.

Posted Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:02 PM By George
There are many Catholic churches named after Christ (rather than after one of his followers): Christ the King, Holy Redeemer, Good Shepherd, Sacred Heart… Given the nature of the structure, Light of the World comes to mind.

Posted Wednesday, February 29, 2012 11:15 PM By k
Now that the deadline has passed-because this is not serious: Cathedral of Jesus Christ, Cautioner of Stone-Throwing

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:10 PM By Betty Silvaney
The Cathedral of the Good Shepard is my choice. Speaking of losing our churches… we had a church sold to someone who turned it into a pizza place another is a dentist office. So sad to see .

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:31 PM By John Muller
How about “Christ Light for the World “

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2012 10:09 PM By Catherine
Betty Silvaney, Good Shepherd is the name of one of the Catholic cemeteries in the same diocese. Maybe you are really on to something.

Posted Saturday, March 10, 2012 10:24 PM By Richard
It would be nice keep “Crystal Cathedral” in the name – it’s so famous. Since Lucia is the patron saint of light, I suggest Santa Lucia’s Crystal Cathedral.

Posted Sunday, March 11, 2012 10:40 AM By MacDonald
Last year I was in Rome and dined in a former church that was now serving as a restaurant. Could be worse, I suppose. If a city has too many churches and too few parishioners, there’s no way to keep them all open, especially with the high cost of anti-earthquake measures and such — which can run into the MILLIONS.

Posted Monday, March 12, 2012 9:39 AM By Victor Incardona
I know I’m a bit late on sending in my thoughts, but why not call the NewCatholic Cathedral: Resurrection Cathedral, it seems to make sense, since it is still a place of worship as requested by the sellers.