Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Archdiocese of Los Angeles·Roman Catholic·United States
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, informally known as the COLA, is the metropolitan cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California. It replaced the severely damaged Cathedral of Saint Vibiana and was dedicated in 2002, sparking controversy over its modern design and cost. The cathedral serves as the mother church for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and houses relics of Saint Vibiana and a piece of the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began in 1998 and the cathedral was dedicated on September 2, 2002, under Cardinal Roger Mahony.
- ›It replaced the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which was damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
- ›The design, by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, features deconstructivist and postmodern elements, avoiding right angles.
- ›The cathedral complex includes a mausoleum, gift shop, cafe, conference center, and clergy residences.
- ›It is named in honor of the Virgin Mary under the title 'our Lady of the Angels'.
- ›The cathedral houses a significant Dobson pipe organ, Opus 75, incorporating pipes from the previous Saint Vibiana Cathedral.
Deconstructivist, Postmodern
- Bronze Doors and Virgin Mary Statue By Robert Graham
- Three Fountains
- Bronze Sculpture By Johnny Bear Contreras
- Solar Panels Generating 15% of Electricity
- Mausoleum With Stained Glass Windows From Saint Vibiana Cathedral
- Relics of Saint Vibiana
- Tilma Piece of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Dobson Pipe Organ, Opus 75
Rafael Moneo
About Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, informally known as COLA or the Los Angeles Cathedral, stands as the metropolitan cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Its construction marked a significant new chapter for the Catholic Church in Southern California, replacing the historic Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which was rendered unusable after sustaining severe damage in the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
History and Construction
The need for a new cathedral had been recognized for decades, as the original Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, built in 1876, became insufficient for the rapidly growing Catholic population. Early plans for a new cathedral under Bishop Thomas James Conaty in 1904 were halted by economic downturns, and later planning by Archbishop John Joseph Cantwell in the 1940s also stalled. The archdiocese eventually acquired a new site for the cathedral, and construction commenced in October 1998, with the building being dedicated on September 2, 2002. The project was overseen by Cardinal Roger Mahony and Spanish architect Rafael Moneo.
Design and Architecture
The cathedral's deconstructivist and postmodern design, selected from numerous international submissions, generated considerable public discussion. It features a unique structure characterized by acute and obtuse angles, deliberately avoiding right angles. The complex is adorned with contemporary statuary and appointments, including bronze doors and a statue of the Virgin Mary designed by Robert Graham, as well as fountains and a Native American memorial sculpture by Johnny Bear Contreras. The building is also equipped with solar panels, designed to generate 15% of its electricity.
Significance and Features
Named in honor of the Virgin Mary as 'Our Lady of the Angels,' the cathedral serves as the mother church for approximately five million Catholics in the archdiocese. It holds significant relics, including those of Saint Vibiana, transferred from the previous cathedral, and a piece of the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The complex also includes a mausoleum, which houses the remains of past bishops and archbishops of the archdiocese, as well as stained glass windows from the former Saint Vibiana Cathedral. The cathedral also boasts a large Dobson pipe organ, Opus 75, known for its scale and incorporation of pipes from the previous cathedral's organ.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels dedicated?
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was dedicated on September 2, 2002. This followed its construction under Cardinal Roger Mahony, which began in 1998.
Why was the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels built?
The cathedral was built to replace the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which suffered severe damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake and was deemed unsafe for use. Planning for a new cathedral had been considered for decades prior due to the growing Catholic population.
What is the architectural style of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels?
The cathedral's design is characterized by deconstructivist and postmodern architectural elements, featuring a series of acute and obtuse angles and largely avoiding right angles. This contemporary design drew criticism from those who preferred more traditional Gothic Revival styles.
What notable relics or artifacts are housed in the cathedral?
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels contains the relics of Saint Vibiana, which are interred in the Saint Vibiana Chapel. It also houses a piece of the tilma worn by Saint Juan Diego, a relic of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Does the cathedral have a mausoleum?
Yes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels features a mausoleum in its lower level. This mausoleum contains crypts and columbarium niches for burials, and memorializes past bishops and archbishops of the archdiocese.
What controversies surrounded the construction of the cathedral?
Controversies included the cathedral's deconstructivist and modern design, the significant costs incurred during its construction and furnishing, and the archdiocese's decision to build a crypt beneath the cathedral. There was also a legal battle with preservationists regarding the demolition of the previous Cathedral of Saint Vibiana.
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