CATHEDRAL TURNS 50

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is blessed to have two beautiful Cathedrals. The Basilica of the Assumption our nation's first Catholic Cathedral and the co-Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

On Sunday November 15 I had the opportunity to attend the mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop O'Brien and he was joined by retired Bishop William Newman, Auxiliary Bishop Mitch Rozanski, Bishop Emeritus of Raleigh,NC Joseph Gossman(Bishop Gossman ordained me 35 years ago at my home parish of St. Patirck in Cumberland) and Rev. Msgr. Robert Armstrong Rector of the Cathedral. Joining the Bishops for the mass were 10 priests who have served at the Cathedral. I served as an associate there in 1995 and 96 before I came to St. Francis. The mass was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal William Keeler.

It was a beautiful and moving celebration. The melodious sounds of the Cathedral Choir, the smell of incense and the rainbow of colors shining through the stained glass windows truly lifted you to a higher and more serene place. It reminded me how fortunate we as Catholics are to have such wonderful traditions and how the celebration of the Eucharist can take us from our daily lives to a place where we meet God.

This celebration was also one of Thanksgiving for 25 years of service as Rector by Msgr. Robert Armstrong. In his 25 years as Rector Msgr. Armstrong has been a loving and strong leader and pastor for the members of the Cathedral Parish. They will miss him as was evidenced by the prolonged standing ovation he received. I have known Msgr. since the early 80's and feel privileged to call him a friend. Even though he is officially retiring on December 31 I know that his ministry to God's people will continue.

If you have not had the opportunity the visit either of our co-Cathedrals I encourage you to put a visit on your must do list.

For information on the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen click here: http://www.cathedralofmary.org/