cathedral_logo-cymk.jpgThe Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield will undergo an $1l million restoration which is anticipated to take over a year to complete, once it begins in the fall. Bishop George J. Lucas announced details of the plan at a Feb. 25 news conference held in the nearly 80-year-old cathedral.
The bishop also spoke to Cathedral parishioners at all the weekend liturgies there Feb. 23 and 24.
Dedicated in 1928, the cathedral is the mother church for more than 150,000 Catholics in the 28 counties in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Annually, it is the site of significant liturgical events such as the Rite of Election, Chrism Mass, children's mission Mass and ordinations - as well as daily Mass for parishioners and visitors.
For nearly two years, a steering committee appointed by the bishop and chaired by Msgr. Carl Kemme, vicar general, has studied the renewal of the structure. Some 50 people from throughout the diocese served on advisory committees for the project. Liturgical design consultant Carol Frenning, a professor of architecture at St. Thomas University in Minneapolis, helped guide the process.
Although there have been no substantial improvements made to the cathedral since its construction, the study found "structurally, the cathedral is still in very good shape after all these years," Bishop Lucas said. "We have received a great blessing, and are thankful. The question is, what can we do as good stewards to preserve and enhance this wonderful gift for the years ahead?"
cathedral-eastelev-wide.jpg Both the exterior and interior of the cathedral need repairs and restoration, Bishop Lucas said. The copper roof and gutter system in the cathedral complex and the cathedral bell tower need repairs or replacement, and stone joints need tuck pointing.
Electrical and lighting, plumbing, sound, heating and air conditioning systems need updating or replacement. Issues of accessibility will be addressed in various areas of the complex.
Bishop Lucas said that a new permanent main altar will be an important component of the project. "The altar is the place where Jesus comes to meet us," said Bishop Lucas. The new permanent altar will replace the temporary altar used in the decades after Vatican Council II. "It (the new altar) will be befitting the beautiful space, which those who built the cathedral left for us," the bishop promised.
"We have some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the country. They are in good condition and just need cleaning, which can be done right in place."
During the last month, a section of the cathedral interior on the right side of the nave and extending up into a section of the ceiling was stripped of the soot, grime, and distorted color, which had built up over the years, and was repainted, said architect James Graham of Graham & Hyde Architects in Springfield. The difference is striking.
Responding to the recommendations of the steering and advisory committees, the plan respects the history and character of the basilica-style building, which was modeled after the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, said Graham.
Father Peter Harman, pastor of Cathedral Parish, said reaction of parishioners at the weekend Masses to the announced restoration/preservation project seemed positive.
"My hope is this project will respect and preserve the beauty of the building, so that when it is completed and people come back, they will say, ‘This is what we've always loved,'" Father Harman said.
The steering committee's comprehensive plan also calls for construction of an 8,400-square-foot atrium to allow people to gather before and after Mass and other liturgical events. It will be built onto the south side of the cathedral, replacing part of the former convent. Additional restrooms will be included in the lower level of the atrium.
Funding for the preservation/renewal program will come from a variety of sources, including $2 million from the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope capital campaign held in conjunction with the diocese's sesquicentennial celebration in 2003; $2 million from the sale of land owned by the diocese in the Springfield area; $2 million from Cathedral parishioners and major donors; and $5 million in a Built on Faith, Renewed in Hope capital campaign which will be launched in all parishes of the diocese in the coming months.
"The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an anchor for Catholic life in our diocese," said Bishop Lucas. "Our cathedral was ‘Built on Faith' through the planning and generosity of those who preceded us. When the restoration and enhancements are completed, our cathedral will be ‘Renewed in Hope.'"
"The idea is not to change but to enhance the cathedral," said Graham. "This is a very strong, classical building."
Father Harman acknowledged the project "will be a time of inconvenience for us," when Cathedral Masses will be celebrated somewhere else, but it is "also a time to help us grow in appreciation of the great treasure that we have here."