On Sunday, September 8th, the Cathedral community gathered after the 12 PM mass to celebrate the dedication of the “Cathedral Plaza of Our Lady of the Angels” with the erection of a statue of Mary, Queen of Heaven, overseeing the renovated space outside of the Breezeway.
When first announced in late summer 2023, Fr. Christy shared with the community his great desire for an outdoor gathering space for our parish, school, and community, where families and children can commune with one another after mass, at parish events, or after school so, as a people of God, they can enjoy God’s creation and the fellowship of one another as a parish community. Jesus shares in the Gospels that whenever two or three gather in his name, he is in their midst. Creating such a common space with the gaze of Our Blessed Mother overseeing us, her children, day, invites Jesus to be among us.
In keeping with the Cathedral’s patronage of St. Francis of Assisi, the plaza was dedicated in honor of “Our Lady of the Angels.” This title of Our Lady is held in high regard and is a particular devotion for the Franciscan community. The Franciscans’ devotion to Our Lady of the Angels comes from the name of the Basilica that houses the chapel, Portiuncula, where St. Francis himself died. Furthermore, Our Lady of the Angels is also the name of the Church where the first Franciscan Friars launched their international mission to share the Franciscan charism and to spread the Gospel message.
Sunday’s dedication to Our Lady and the renovation of the plaza were made possible by the generous gifts of Cathedral parishioners who donated to this cause, many of whom were present amongst the crowds and witnessed the fruits of their giving for their fellow parishioners.
With a beautiful new statue of our Lady, surrounded by seasonal floral arrangements, and with cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lady (September 8th), the Cathedral community gathered in joy and in communion to honor their Mother and reentrust themselves to her intercession and love.
Mrs. Christine Patalano, parishioner and mother, shared, “Having Mary’s presence bless this plaza allows the children of our school and the people of our parish the chance to pray and honor her daily.
Mrs. Joanne Varco, parishioner, when asked about the importance of the Blessed Mother’s presence at our Cathedral, also shared, “We pray that all our children, our community, and the world would be under the mantle of the Blessed Mother. To always be a part of our lives. This statue is a reminder that we have our mother here, and anything we ask the mother, she prays to her son. I’m so overwhelmed by this beautiful statue.”