For important liturgies and celebrations, Catholics from all over southeast Massachusetts flock to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, which serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Fall River. The faithful do, however, come together once a year for a unique event that honors and supports the cathedral church itself.
The yearly Lumen ChristiCathedral Gala is a chance to draw attention to the historic 170-year-old church and generate money for its upkeep and restoration. This Wednesday, June 25th, the Gala will start at 6:00 p.m. at White’s of Westport.
Lumen Christi, which translates to “Light of Christ,” sums up the significance of St. Mary’s Cathedral in the Diocese. The Gala seeks to raise awareness of the necessary renovations and repairs to restore the building, which is impacted by weather and aging.
According to the Diocese, efforts to solve some of the most urgent requirements are still being carried out because of the Cathedral Gala’s supporters since its launch in 2022. Water leaks into the church have been prevented in recent years, and the decayed frames of the clerestory windows along the upper east and west sides have been 90% restored. Additionally, the previous quartz up and down lights have been replaced with energy-efficient LED fixtures and lamps, making the inside feel warmer and brighter. The church’s electrical panel was also updated at the same time. In order to stop additional water damage to the ceiling, missing slates were replaced in parts of the high roof.
The Diocese claims that in order to sustain and preserve St. Mary’s, ongoing restoration is necessary and that needs still exist. The proceeds from this year’s Lumen ChristiCathedral Gala are intended to repair the lower roof’s slate damage, start the bell tower’s repair and restoration, and finish the final 10% of the work on the clerestory windows.
Vatican III, a jazz ensemble of local priest musicians, will perform at the Lumen ChristiCathedral Gala, which will also include a multi-course seated dinner and a brief program showcasing the Cathedral. Madeleine and Richard Grace, parishioners of St. Mary’s Cathedral, will receive the Luminary Award from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., at the program. Richard is a member of the Cathedral’s choir, which is led by Madeleine. Richard is a historian of the cathedral and an emeritus professor of history at Providence College. In addition to their devotion and generosity to the Diocese of Fall River, they are being honored for their service to the cathedral community.
Visit www.catholicfoundationsema.org/cathedral-gala/ for more details about the Lumen ChristiCathedral Gala.
