Solemnity Mass Marks Anniversary Of Cathedral Dedication

St. Joseph Cathedral celebrated its role as a bedrock of faith, both in the Diocese of Baton Rouge and as part of the universal church with a Mass on the solemnity of the dedication of the cathedral on Sept. 30.

Founded in 1792, St. Joseph Church was designated the cathedral church of the diocese by Pope John XXIII in the bull of erection “Peramplum Novae Aureliae” on July 22, 1961, with Bishop Robert E. Tracy the founding bishop.  

In 1967, following the Second Vatican Council, the cathedral underwent a significant interior renovation in order to “bring the church in harmony with the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy promulgated in 1962 at the council.” The cathedral was re-dedicated on Sept. 30, 1970.

In his homily Bishop Michael G. Duca referred to St. Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and St. Peter replies, “You are the messiah, the son of the living God.” Jesus then tells him he is the rock upon which he will build his church, making St. Peter the first bishop of the church. 

Bishop Duca noted that the church was built upon a man and a relationship with Christ. He simply preached the Gospel.

“Over those 2000 years, that Gospel message makes its way down here to South Louisiana,” said Bishop Duca.

A bishop’s principal church, or seat, within his diocese is designated as a “cathedra” or cathedral. But the vision of the church is much bigger than that, the bishop said.  

“Every church in the diocese has everything it needs to be fully the Roman Catholic Church,” the bishop said.

Just as church parishes have elements that identify it as Catholic Christian, the bishop encouraged attendees to let people see the elements of their Catholic faith in their homes and the crucified Christ in their walk of life. He urged attendees to give thanks to God, for the church of Christ, the church built evenly on a foundation of faith, then go out into the world.

“Let us proclaim the good news,” said Bishop Duca.