Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, commonly known as Saint Francis Cathedral, is a prominent Catholic cathedral located in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the mother church for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, serving as a central spiritual and architectural landmark.

History and Construction

The history of the site involves a succession of religious structures. The current cathedral's construction began in 1869, initiated by the French-born Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. He brought French architects and Italian stone masons to the project, which was designed in the Romanesque Revival style. Significantly, the new cathedral was built around La Parroquia, an adobe church constructed between 1714 and 1717, which had itself replaced an earlier church dating back to 1626. La Parroquia was eventually demolished once the new cathedral's construction was complete, with only a small chapel incorporated into the new structure. The Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi was dedicated in 1887.

Architectural Features

Distinct from the traditional adobe architecture of the region, Saint Francis Cathedral was built from yellow limestone blocks quarried near present-day Lamy, New Mexico. Its design features characteristic round arches supported by Corinthian columns. The cathedral boasts a large rose window on its facade, with additional windows depicting the Twelve Apostles in the lateral naves, all imported from Clermont-Ferrand, France. The exterior is marked by two truncated square towers, though the original plan for taller steeples was not realized due to funding limitations.

Interior and Notable Elements

The interior of the cathedral showcases several significant elements. The nave features a baptismal font made of Brazilian granite, dedicated in 2001, and walls adorned with Stations of the Cross. The sanctuary houses a replica of the San Damiano Crucifix and an 18th-century statue of St. Francis. A particularly historic section is the La Conquistadora Chapel, which incorporates parts of the 1717 Parroquia Church. This chapel is home to the revered La Conquistadora, a wooden Madonna statue brought from Spain in 1626. Renovations over the years have included the addition of a Blessed Sacrament Chapel, new bronze doors featuring panels depicting the history of Catholicism in Santa Fe, and a 2005 stained-glass window on the upper facade representing the Holy Spirit.

Significance and Recognition

In 2005, the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope Benedict XVI. The cathedral is a significant cultural reference, with a fictionalized account of its origins appearing in Willa Cather's novel "Death Comes for the Archbishop." Its prominent location and artistic merit have also made it a subject for numerous artists who have visited or resided in Santa Fe.