From Crystal to Christ – A Guide to the Nation’s newest Cathedral

This post is shared with us by Rev. Msgr. Arthur A. Holquin, S.T.L. from his blog Rector Emeritus.

Cathedra in Christ Cathedral with Coat of Arms of Bishop Kevin W. Vann

Behind the building of any great Cathedral there is inevitably a story.  Perhaps not all of them are as creatively intriguing as the one that stands behind the famous novel of some years ago by Ken Follett, Pillars of the Earth, nevertheless, virtually all reflect the story of the creative interplay between faith and imagination, as well as art and architecture, as we attempt to fashion something beautiful in the service of word and worship. 

I would like to tell the story that has recently been completed in how the Diocese of Orange has planned, shaped and designed a new Cathedral in light of its relatively recent acquisition of the former Crystal Cathedral and its extensive 35-acre property in Garden Grove, California, into Christ Cathedral. 

The campus that is now the heart and center of the 42-year-old Diocese of Orange came about as a result of the acquisition, in 2011 of this 35-acre site of the former Crystal Cathedral site in the heart of Orange County.  Why? Sadly, with the bankruptcy and relocation of the once phenomenally successful ministry of the televangelist, Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller, of the Reformed Church of America, the site went up for sale.  The Diocese acquired it for a little over 57 million dollars.   

On this premier piece of real estate, Dr. Schuller over the nearly 50 years of his ministry, secured three of America’s iconic architects of the 20th century to design not only places for worship but also a strikingly beautiful welcome center.   

Richard Neutra designed the first sanctuary or arboretum together with the Tower of Hope between 1961 and 1968.  In 1980, the new sanctuary called the “Crystal Cathedral” by Philip Johnson was dedicated. 

The final major structure to grace this property was the 57,000 sq. ft., five level Visitors Center designed by Richard Meyer, completed in 2003.

Shortly after the acquisition of the property and its buildings by the Diocese of Orange, visioning began for the eventual transformation of the Philip Johnson structure that would become the new Cathedral for the local Church.   

Simultaneous to this visioning, it was necessary to restore the original arboretum sanctuary by Neutra to accommodate the pre-existing, 5000 household St. Callistus parish community that had moved from a nearby location to now form the nucleus of the new Christ Cathedral parish community. The restoration of this beautiful structure to its original pristine form has garnered multiple architectural awards for its sensitive and careful desire to return the structure to its classic Neutra design.

The work on transforming and repurposing the Philip Johnson structure began in earnest in 2012 with the hiring of Br. William Woeger, a Christian Brother and Director of the Office of Worship in Omaha, to function as the principal liturgical consultant on the project.  Bringing with him over 40 years of experience in liturgical design and Cathedral renovation, Br. William worked closely with the newly formed Architecture and Renovation Committee for Cathedral design in eventually assisting in securing two Los Angeles based architectural firms, Johnson Fain and Rios, Clementi, Hale.  With the architects in place, they and their teams now became actively engaged in the synergistic process that brought together sacramental theologians, liturgists, artists, architects and designers to eventually bring about the transformation of this site from Crystal to Christ Cathedral.  

The challenges we faced in repurposing this structure were innumerable:

·      Respect for the architectural lines and genius of Johnson’s original structure

·      Moving from a Word centered space geared toward televangelism and an entertainment model of worship to

·      A place of sacramentality, were the traditional ritual interplay between the centrality of the Eucharistic Table, the Proclamation from the Table of the Word, and the episcopal presidency of the one at the cathedra would now take center stage.

·      The judicious integration of sacred iconography within a space that was visually opened completely to the outside environment

·      Taming hostile temperature variances that in the summer could range from 80 degrees at the floor level to 110 degrees in the upper sections of the Cathedral

·      Restoration of one of the great pipe organs of the world that had experienced 30 years of these temperature fluctuations.

·      Creating a ritual, liturgical and architectural ‘center’ for the Cathedral building itself in a campus that incrementally grew somewhat topsy-turvy over the years, without a specific focus. 

These and countless other ‘surprises’ were the ‘stuff’ of the monthly meetings of our team as our discussions and visioning led to preliminary designs, concepts and approaches.  These were then further refined and discussed in subcommittees, leading eventually to the completed design concept that is now in place, the fruit of a year and a half birthing process.  The process itself became a transformative experience for liturgists coming to know more of the dynamics of architecture and architects and designers coming to understand the place of sacrament and symbol in the shaping of a House for the Church. 

In her recently published book, St. John’s Abbey Church: Marcel Breuer and the Creation of a Modern Sacred Space, Victoria Young tells the story of the planning and building of this architecturally significant contemporary church structure in Collegeville, Minnesota.  

It was the positioning and orientation of the Table of Sacrifice that orchestrated the eventual positioning of all the other symbols for worship.  So it was for Christ Cathedral.  After reviewing a number of different orientations for the Altar it was initially strongly felt that the Catholicity of this unique project of transformation called for the positioning of the Table of Sacrifice within the axis mundi of the Johnson structure.  

This initial conceptualization, clustered the assembly in antiphonal seating to its right and left and positioning the ambo at one end of the centrally raised predella and the cathedra at the other end – the three primary symbols would now be liturgically, ritually and visually at the center of the structure with a seating capacity of 2100.

While this design had its liturgical precedents within primarily monastic communities, it was subsequently wisely felt that such a ‘radical’ design would be too disengaged from the ordinary worship experience of the faithful in the parishes of the Diocese.  Hence, at the behest of the Bishop of the Diocese, a slight modification was made in this original orientation, moving the Altar slightly back creating a more fan-like seating arrangement for the assembly with the Ambo off to the right side of the worship area.

To underscore the permanence of these central symbolic elements of Altar, Ambo and Cathedra, they would be crafted in travertine marble quarried from Turkey and finished in Italy.   

Under the altar we have enshrined a reliquary house, ornamented in semi-precious cabochon stones that holds the relics of martyrs, specifically, the North American, Vietnamese, Korean and Mexican martyrs that have a special place in the hearts of the culturally diverse faithful of the Diocese. To acknowledge the proto-evangelizer of Orange County, a relic of St. Junipero Serra, founder of the historic mother church of the Diocese, Mission San Juan Capistrano (1776), will also be housed in the reliquary.  

To give visual focus to the table in an expanse that is over 100 ft high, is a suspended baldachino, leafed in antique platinum with an oculus opening to the sky.   

From the oculus is suspended the crux gemmata, in polished bronze and ornamented in semi-precious stones of lapis lazuli, carnelian, malachite, polished quartz crystal, with a large corpus in bleached wood in the Beuronese style reminiscent of the late 19th century.  Capturing the Johannine theme of Christ enthroned in glory on the triumphant cross of victory, the head of Christ is surmounted by a precious crown.

Sanctuary Appointments 

Great care was taken in the design and crafting of the sanctuary appointments, beginning with the principal symbols of altar, ambo and cathedra.  Because of the distant sight-lines from the twin transept balconies, appropriate proportion was of paramount importance.  It is for that reason that the marble altar is crafted in a generous 8’ square. As the Table of the Word, the ambo is equally generously proportioned.  Reminiscent of many of the ancient Basilicas, a permanent paschal candle stand, crafted in matching marble and ornamented in semi-precious stones is positioned next to the ambo.   

Post-conciliar liturgical directives clearly state that the cathedra should avoid any reminiscence of an imperial throne but rather should in noble simplicity be the place where the shepherd-servant presides over Word and Sacrament.  The designers integrated the simple cathedra into a ‘presbyterium’ bench, with the episcopal coat of arms of the bishop demarking his chair. 

Finally, the four altar candle holders are of similar substantial proportion and are positioned in such a way as to highlight the holy table.

The ritual of Dedication specifies that 12 (or 4) candles grace the walls of the dedicated church to mark the place of chrismal anointing. The designers choose 12 hanging lamps that surround the interior wall of the cathedral, symbolizing the 12 apostles to mark the places of anointing.

Iconography, Sacred Vessels and Vesture 

In transitioning from a primarily Word centered worship space to a highly liturgically oriented place of sacramentality within the Catholic Tradition, the place of sacred imagery together with all the other areas enriching the Catholic liturgy, i.e., sanctuary furnishings, sacred vessels and vesture, took on pivotal importance in the repurposing of the Philip Johnson structure. 

The newly established Sacred Arts Committee reviewed artistic submissions by a number of potential liturgical artists as a plan was developed for the use of sacred imagery within the Cathedral.  The Committee commissioned Pablo Eduardo, a native Bolivian, for the majority of the artistic enhancement within the Cathedral. 

Pablo Eduardo

Eduardo was commissioned to craft the four primary images in bronze of the “Manifestations of the Divinity of Christ” surmounted on the encircling walls of the Cathedral.  Drawn from Gospels, the images are:  The Epiphany, The Baptism of the Lord, The Wedding Feast in Cana and The Transfiguration.  These images will be installed later in the year.

Baptism of the Lord by Pablo Eduardo

Together with the Manifestations, Eduardo crafted the 14 Stations of the Cross as well as the bronze bas-reliefs that will be on the primary Festive doors of the Cathedral and on the interior Narthex wall.   

Festal Doors – Expulsion from Paradise by Pablo Eduardo

As the doors pivot open, the interior narthex wall hold an additional bronze low-relief sculpture depicting the Communion of Saints before the Lamb of God. 

The monumental tapestry of the titular image of Christ, Lord of Creation, designed by Br. Martin Erspamer, O.S.B., is hung in the interior of the Cathedral to the right of the sanctuary area.  Its bright colors create an iconic focal point to the otherwise monochromatic colors within the Cathedral interior. 

Christ seated in Glory by Martin Erspamer, O.S.B.

Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe 

With the establishment of the Diocese of Orange in 1976, the founding Bishop, William Johnson, petitioned the Holy See to name the Diocese under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Since that time, the venerable image of Our Lady under this important title has had a prominent place in virtually every parish in the Diocese.  It is only fitting that in Christ Cathedral her image would have a prominent place. 

Enshrined on the opposite side of the Narthex wall and among the assembly facing the Table of Sacrifice, Mary, the first Christian and Empress of the Americas, will have a place of appropriate prominence in the Cathedral Church. 

Crafted in exquisite mosaic by the internationally renowned Italian artist, Valerio Lenarduzzi, with ample area for the veneration of the faithful, the image of the Mother of God takes its place among the images of the holy ones in the House of the Church.

In order to maintain artistic continuity and excellence with the Cathedral’s contemporary design, sacred vessels were commissioned and designed by Talleres de Arte Granda in Spain to complement the liturgical action at the Holy Table.  Crafted in hammered and highly polished silver and embellished with cabochon semi-precious stones, the episcopal chalice together with communion chalices and ciboria as well as a unique and highly creative design for the Cathedral monstrance and it’s baldachino, bring dignity and beauty to the life of worship in the Cathedral. 

Sacred Vessels
Presentation ciborium
Reservation Ciborium
Custom monstrance for Christ Cathedral
Monstrance with monumental baldacchino

Finally, the Committee commissioned The Holy Rood Guildin Spencer, Massachusetts, to design and craft the sacred vesture to compliment the liturgical celebrations for all seasons in the Cathedral.  A special design in white for the Bishop, Deacons, principal concelebrants and 200 presbyteral concelebrants was commissioned and gifted to bring dignity to major diocesan celebrations.

Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Tabernacle

To the East of the assembly area will be the Chapel of Eucharistic Reservation.  The Tabernacle or Sacrament tower, is by the 20th century German enamelist, Egino Weinert, positioned on a pedestal of bronze that depicts images from the Gospels.

The following video gives a more detailed explanation of the Weinert Tabernacle and its meaning within Christ Cathedral. The video was produced prior to the repositioning of the Sacrament Chapel to the East of the Cathedral proper.

Universal Quatrefoil System

In order to address the multiple challenges of the glass space frame historically inherent with the Johnson structure, an interior “second skin” for the new Christ Cathedral is constructed, comprising of what is referred to as a universal quatrefoil system.  Four-part triangular translucent “petals” have been designed to cover the entire interior of the existing space frame addressing an array of challenges which the existing building posed for both environmental comfort and the gracious celebration of the Liturgy.  Some of the issues in question were: 

   Solar heat: the petals deflect solar heat gain back into the environment rather than into the interior.

   Glare: the translucent panels will diminish the amount of direct natural light into the sanctuary.

   Natural ventilation:  the space between the panels and the space frame forms a ventilation flue.

   Acoustics: the petals are oriented in multiple directions, reflecting and dispersing sound.

   Night illumination:  In combination with artificial light, the surfaces of the petals will provide uniform lighting.

   Integration: the petals will diffuse interior light throughout the entire sanctuary and diminish strong shadow lines currently falling on congregants and the sanctuary floor.

   Organ: the petals will act as a “sound cloud” for the reflection of organ music into the volume of the sanctuary. 

Within the square grid of each quatrefoil, the triangulated petals have been programmed to be variously closed, 15 degrees open, 30 degrees open and 45 degrees open.  The surface of the Cathedral has been digitally mapped to identify the location of the sun during all periods of the day throughout the year.  Where direct sun is deemed to be problematic due to glare, closed pedals are located while in areas where glare is not an issue, the pedals are designed to be in varying stages of openness.  These various conditions are then randomized to create a singular tapestry of white, translucent skin inside the glassy exterior shell of the building.  By balancing the light, all attention will be directed to the liturgical action at the altar, the supreme liturgical focus for Catholic worship.   It is the hope of the design team that this unique solution will be a joyful nexus of worship, art and science.  An added benefit will be a dramatic evening illumination of the Cathedral as seen from the Cathedral close.

In the undercroft there will be an ancillary chapel seating 250 as well as sacristies, choir rehearsal space, burial vault for the bishops of Orange as well as additional columbaria niches, restrooms and storage space will be located.  At the present time, the full realization of the undercroft area, specifically its chapel, will be part of Phase II of Cathedral construction. 

Baptistery

The Baptistery is structured in the traditional eight-sided manner. The sunken cruciform baptismal pool with three steps from the West, leading down into the water and three steps leading out into the East will be ornamented with a simple Chi-Rho design together with the Greek letters, “Alpha and Omega.”  The Holy Oils will be enshrined in this area as well as a catafalque for the placement of a coffin in vigil.  Emerging out of the baptistery into the Cathedral proper will be the Reconciliation rooms to highlight this sacrament as that of ‘second’ baptism. 

Cathedral Close

The renovated Cathedral will be surrounded by a completely redesigned plaza or “Cathedral close.”  Bordered by greenery and lush landscaping, this exterior threshold symbolically will create the beginning transition from the marketplace into the area of sacred space.  

Architectural exterior lighting and accommodation for sound will delineate areas for the blessing of the great Easter fire, devotional shrines as well as areas for quiet contemplation, gathering areas for meals and receptions together with accommodation for gatherings of over 5000 for outdoor celebrations. 

Restoration of the Hazel Wright Organ 

Shortly after the acquisition of the Crystal Cathedral property by the Diocese, representatives of the Fratelli Ruffatti organ company in Padua, Italy, met with Diocesan officials and consultants to assess the condition of one of the properties most valued musical assets, the Hazel Wright Memorial organ in the Philip Johnson Cathedral.  Originally installed in 1982, the instrument was the amalgam of several existing instruments augmented and consolidated by the Ruffatti company.  In its final configuration it comprised of 270 ranks with 16,061 pipes and is considered one of the ten largest pipe organs in the world. 

Since its installation in 1982 and due to exposure to the elements as well as temperature variations occasioned by the lack of temperature control in the cathedral, the instrument needed a thorough renovation as well as upgrades in digital technology that has experienced substantial advancements over the intervening years. 

The restoration took over 2 years with work being done both in Padua, Italy and locally.  Part of the restoration was the complete refurbishing of the original principal organ console as well as that of an ancillary console originally built by the Möeller organ company to be position in the south gallery.  

Bishop Vann at the Fratelli Rufatti factory in Padua, Italy

The reinstallation and voicing of the newly restored instrument which is presently underway, will take approximately one year, augmented by a number of digital ranks by the Walker organ company. 

The organ will be blessed and rededicated on May 15-16-17, 2020.  For complete details on the Hazel Wright Pipe Organ celebrations see ChristCathedralMusic.org.   

Primary console restored
Secondary console restored

Shrine to Our Lady of LaVang 

The Diocese of Orange is blessed with a large Vietnamese population many of whom settled in the County as refugees following the Fall of Saigon in 1975.  To honor their pivotal devotion to Our Lady of LaVang, a magnificent outdoor shrine in her honor will grace the Cathedral Close in the coming year.

Conclusion

Responding to the question, “What elements create sacred space?,” Duncan Stroik, the revivalist champion for classic church architecture, has stated that sacred buildings have verticality to emphasize the important dimension of transcendence, they have directionality, starting at one point and leading to another; they have solidity and stability, made out of fine materials that will last for centuries and finally they have iconography and sacred imagery that we can relate to, that tells a story that we can identify with. 

It is our hope that the dramatic verticality of this renovated structure will indeed raise our hearts and minds to the God who lives in unapproachable light yet dwells among us in bread broken and cup shared. From whatever threshold one enters, the clarity in directionality will bring one to the Table of Grace and blessing. While one may not think of glass as a material of solidity and stability, perhaps we need only think of Sainte Chapelle and its enduring beauty. 

And finally, images of the sacred and the holy help us to remember that in our places of worship, heaven is indeed wedded to earth.  

Rector Emeritus is the personal blog of Rev. Msgr. Arthur A. Holquin, S.T.L. for the purpose of reflections on the Word of God, the Church, society, culture, and the arts.

Msgr. Art was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1974 for service in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Shortly after the creation of the new Diocese of Orange in 1976, he completed post-graduate work at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, obtaining an S.T.L. in Sacramental Theology and an M.A. in Religious Studies. He has served the Diocese in a number of ministerial capacities:  Director for the Office of Worship, Director for the Office of Evangelization, Rector of Holy Family Cathedral and finally, Pastor and Rector of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. In 2009 he contracted a rare neurological condition (Primary Lateral Sclerosis) that gradually impacted his walking and speech. In 2014 he was named Rector Emeritus of the Basilica parish and continues as Episcopal Vicar for Divine Worship in the Diocese and is one of the liturgical consultants on the Christ Cathedral renovation project that will be completed in 2019. Msgr. Art’s favorite quotation is from Blessed Henry Cardinal Newman: To live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.


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27 responses to “From Crystal to Christ – A Guide to the Nation’s newest Cathedral”

  1. Todd Flowerday Avatar

    Much is excellent. The only big loss I see is the abandonment of antiphonal seating for the modern “fan.”

    1. Karl Liam Saur Avatar
      Karl Liam Saur

      I don’t disagree. Normally, I am not a fan of antiphonal seating in large spaces because it’s ergonomically problematic in that context, but this is a rare case where the antiphonal seating would be much deeper than it would be wide (because of how the lozenge shape is arrayed).

      I must assume the renderings of the baptistery and eucharistic chapel will include furnishings for the faithful of some sort.

      And I am most curious about the natural (unamplified) acoustical properties of the space for a sung liturgy.

      One detail nit for the designers: Are the images of the stations on the nave walls accompanying wooden crosses (the images being optional, the wooden crosses not, if they are done right)?

      1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar

        There were a number of understandable ‘compromises’ in a unique project of this nature. Not everyone got everything they wanted! Regarding seating in the Sacrament Chapel, there are about 35 chairs, positioned in a circular fashion to accommodate adoration of the faithful. The acoustics were an aspect that the architectural and liturgical consultants agonized over. Our acoustical consultant was providentially a musician (organist). He and his team did a masterful job. There is a solid 4 second reverb! While I would have hoped for a bit more, based upon the gala inaugural event this past Saturday, the acoustical environment is amazing – and they are still fine tuning it for the Dedication. Finally, there are no crosses with the stations. I’m wondering about the ritual of the Franciscan rubric requiring them at the present time.

      2. Todd Flowerday Avatar

        Good question on the natural acoustics. It would be my #1. I have a deep respect for Br William. He is a brilliant artist and sensitive to multiple concerns of liturgy, theology, and visual media. He worked with us on a parish renovation in the mid-90s. He urged us to dispense with the idea of a two-tiered font–which I see they do not have. But he and I differed on acoustics. Fortunately, I was able to persuade the pastor to hire an acoustician who urged us to deep-six a particularly bad aspect in the design proposal. I hope Christ Cathedral invested in an expert in acoustics.

      3. Karl Liam Saur Avatar
        Karl Liam Saur

        Msgr

        I believe I was finally able to source my question about the crosses with the images for the Stations: the order of blessing of stations in the Book of Blessings, no. 1401 (while the ritual is not needed when a church is being dedicated in toto, it does address the expected nature of the stations), contemplates either images with crosses or simply crosses. (The former requirement that they be of wood is no longer the case, as of course is also the older reservation of the blessing to Franciscans, back in the days in when each order had its monopoly on divers reserved blessings!)

        I had noted this was a nit. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston recently completed a multi-year external (2 yrs) and then internal (2 yrs) renovation, and one of the very last details before the dedication of the new altar and sanctuary furnishings was the setting up of the crosses over the beautiful restored images for the stations. (Anyone interested in seeing good pictures of the renovated fabric can find them in a 2-page album at this link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewmasi/albums/72157709050512687)

      4. Roger Evans Avatar

        Some weeks ago, a world-renowned acoustician, responsible for work in a number of the most prominent churches and concert halls, sent me an e-mail saying that he had read much about the new cathedral but had been able to see the name of the consultant on the hugely important matter of the acoustics cited anywhere. I couldn’t help him and, after reading the extensive blog post, still cannot.

        Spending vast sums on transporting a huge organ back and forth across the world, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of dollars involved in its reconstruction and revision (even adding additiona digital “stops” to an organ the extravagant size of which inspires so much boasting) while devoting a passing word about the supposed efficacy for acoustics of those plastic appliqués, might give one pause.

  2. Rita Ferrone Avatar
    Rita Ferrone

    Many beautiful things here, and I hate to be a fly in the ointment, but I have two questions.

    First, and most important, is the question of sustainability. Glass buildings are some of the most energy inefficient structures in architecture. Solar redirection was mentioned above in the sense of taking the direct sun off the people within, for their comfort, but I don’t see anything about what has been done, or will yet be done, to make this building and complex carbon neutral. We are in a climate emergency, and the bishops of California recently produced a strong statement on the environment. So I know these issues are on the agenda, but I do not know how they have been addressed, or if they have been addressed, by the renovation of this overwhelmingly glass cathedral complex.

    Second, what will the jumbotrons be used for? I sincerely hope that, contrary to their uses in a televangelist mode which clearly DID magnify and display Robert Schuller’s image during the services, they will NOT be used to project the face of the preacher or the priest at the altar during the Eucharistic prayer, essentially turning the liturgy into a televised event even within the space. To “watch” the celebrant on a big screen, while in the very space where the liturgy is being celebrated, seems to me a dissolution of the direct link between the actors in the liturgical event (assembly, presider, ministers), in favor of technological mediation, which has profound long-term anti-liturgical consequences.

    1. Karl Liam Saur Avatar
      Karl Liam Saur

      Good question on sustainability.

      I totally agree about jumbotrons and liturgy. They would represent a regression away from the conciliar vision of an integrated action of the Triune God, the ministers and the faithful.

    2. Bryan Walsh Avatar
      Bryan Walsh

      Whether as a worship aid or to project the liturgy in live-time, I reckon the (multiple) jumbotrons a VERY bad idea–either use detracts from the ritual action, with as Rita indicates, nothing but detrimental effects for the assembly and it engaging fully and actively in its participatory role.

      But on the larger issue of electronic media, Aidan Kavanagh said it best, so I will quote him verbatim (as I believe I have before): “Ritual activity is a ‘cool’ medium which seduces people into the celebrative freedom of common activity. By comparison, electronic media are ‘hot’ and tend to shove people into corners of passivity or isolation where they are manipulable by unseen wills. For this reason it is difficult to visit or converse with others while a television set is on in the same room. Electronic media, in all their aggressiveness, are better used in unritual contexts for instruction, education, or therapy. To conflate the liturgy with such aids is similar to interrupting a play with recorded reflections, aural or visual, on how the performance is going.” (Elements of Rite)

    3. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar

      Rita – thank you so much for your very thoughtful comments relative to the cathedral design. The issue of environmental sustainability what with a glass structure was paramount in the architectural planning and repurposing. Scott Johnson, the primary architect, developed the ingenious use of the quatrefoil panels primarily to bring substantial control to the direct sunlight that had created havoc on the initial building with its incredible and hostile temperature variances. For the first time, the building has a centralized HVAC, utilizing the latest in energy efficient units. While I can’t speak to its carbon neutrality, every effort was made to respect environmental concerns while creating a temperature controlled environment to insure stability for one of the ten largest pipe organs in the world! And now, a few comments on the video screens! Br. William Woeger and I were dead set against them when the question came up. The Rector, Fr. Christopher Smith, approached this issue as a relative non-negotiable item. However, his perspective was not without merit. The Cathedral parish community is a rich and ethnically diverse congregation within a Diocese in which 4 principal languages are utilized in her major liturgical celebrations: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean. Fr. Smith has had wonderful experience using large video screens for not only projecting music and text but more so with simultaneous translations for the assembly. This has proven to be quite effective. Your points of concern are extremely well taken and I’m confident that a protocol and customary will be developed for the judicious and appropriate use of these state of the art 4K ultra high definition screens, respecting the fundamental nature of the liturgical action.

  3. John S. Miller Avatar
    John S. Miller

    Msgr. Holquin,

    I remember there was an earlier concept discussed either here on PrayTell or some other online blog about a separate entrance with a set of special doors for the Catechumens. Did that concept ever come to fruition?

    Thank you!

    1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar

      Technically, that entrance is indeed in place leading into the baptistery at the west of the cathedral. The doors were not able to be properly ornamented as of yet. They are presently simple and utilitarian. However, we hope to embellish them properly in the future.

  4. James Avilez Avatar
    James Avilez

    Curious, what happened to the series of outdoor statues that were on the Crystal Cathedral campus?
    I would love to see the interior of the Neutra building. Hope there will be some pics.
    I prefer the original design with the antiphonal seating. I feel as if they played it safe and conventional but from the pics it is still an impressive reconfigure.

    1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar
      Msgr. Art Holquin

      A certain number of the outdoor statuary were relocated to different parts of the campus, permitting new outdoor iconography more in keeping with Catholic aesthetics to be incorporated into the redesigned campus, e.g. the eventual shrine to Our Lady of LaVang. The Neutra arboretum was the first building that was completely renovated, bringing it back to its pristine Neutra design. It has won architectural awards for what was accomplished. It will function now as an ancillary worship space and an additional concert venue. There is a wonderful Skinner pipe organ in the arboretum.

  5. Kevin Sparrow Avatar
    Kevin Sparrow

    Fascinating. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the completion of a liturgical environment created for a lovely but admittedly challenging space.

    One question: is the baptistry in a different part of the structure or is it integrated into the main cathedral where the assembly can witness and participate in the Rites of Initiation?

    1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar
      Msgr. Art Holquin

      The new baptistery is at the opposite end from the Sacrament Chapel and is open to the main body of the Cathedral. The initiatory rites, particularly at the Vigil, can be seen by the assembly utilizing the 3 large state of the art high definition video screens. Admittedly, these screens have been the cause for vigorous and passionate discussion among liturgists. It is our hope that judicious use of them for visualization of hymn texts, translations and video of baptismal rites, etc. will enhance the worship experience for the 2100 assembly.

  6. Rob Spaulding Avatar
    Rob Spaulding

    This is a beautiful reflection on the liturgical/theological/architectural aspects of this cathedral. Thank you to all who have been a part of this transformation! This article invites a deeper reflection on the acquisition of this property and on campus presence. https://www.ncronline.org/news/media/rise-ewtn-piety-partisanship

  7. Mike Novak Avatar
    Mike Novak

    A question I have regards accessibility for the ministers. I cannot tell for sure from the photos here, but it looks like the only access to the ambo is by using steps. The same for the altar platform.

    I hope I’m missing something because these photos can’t show everything; otherwise it represents a lost opportunity for movement and ministry by people who have physical disabilities.

    1. Ron Jones Avatar
      Ron Jones

      I would think the ADA would be followed in the strictest sense considering it’s in California.

      1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar
        Msgr. Art Holquin

        Being wheelchair bound, the sanctuary is readily accessible via a gradually ascending walkway behind the sanctuary. The Ambo is not ADA accessible.

  8. Bill Miller Avatar
    Bill Miller

    I’ve followed the Crystal Cathedral, as it formerly was, extensively in the past and one big reason for the chronic water leaks from the glass panels was that “the birds were pecking at the sealant around the glass”, if you can believe it. I wonder if this has been addressed so it won’t be a problem in the future…?

  9. Brad Todorovich Avatar
    Brad Todorovich

    Has there been an order of worship/music for the dedication posted online?

  10. Lee Bacchi Avatar
    Lee Bacchi

    You can probably guess what the comments on the article over at the National Catholic Register are like!

    1. Msgr. Art Holquin Avatar
      Msgr. Art Holquin

      So sad reading these comments. Of course there will always be differences in artistic likes and dislikes. It’s a shame the incivility from politics have overwhelmed so many in the church today. Rather than acknowledging a great work of the local church, some few choose to denigrate and name call. Overall, the response of the local church for whom this Cathedral will serve, has been overwhelmingly positive.

  11. Ethan Nielson Avatar

    A beautiful Cathedral and such an improvement over the Crystal Cathedral which I visited many times in the past. I wish however that there were no video screens in the sanctuary since this is so reminiscent of a concert in a large arena. People will tend to watch the screen and not focus on the celebrant. I would have preferred art on the walls instead but there is always compromise in the construction of something new. Otherwise a beautiful work of art.

  12. Paul Inwood Avatar
    Paul Inwood

    Many thanks to Msgr Art for his exposition of the new building. There is much to admire here.

    The last time Christ Cathedral was discussed on Pray Tell, the conversation included the following points which I have not seen addressed in this thread.

    (1) The baldacchino, however desirable it may be, cuts right across the open space of the original architectural concept. Those close to the sanctuary area will feel “pressed down” by an artificial ceiling that does not chime in with the true size of the building. Yes, there may be an oculus in it. but a completely transparent baldacchino would have been so much better, or preferably no baldacchino at all. I have heard it said that the baldacchino also has the function of containing the lighting for the sanctuary. This could have been achieved in other ways.

    The French have a way of doing things that is in sympathy with the existing architecture — for example at Chartres Cathedral, with its beautiful and simple enamel cross (looking like glass) suspended over the main altar, and not a baldacchino in sight! The lighting of the sanctuary is achieved by other means. The Christ Cathedral cross, by contrast, is too large and too dark, and once again cuts right across the verticality of the building.

    (2) I have asked those who I thought would know the answer what purpose is served by the rectangular “bed head” between the sanctuary and choir area. No one has responded so far. It seems an intrusive and unnecessary addition to the building.

  13. Jack Wayne Avatar
    Jack Wayne

    Not my cup of tea architecturally, but I do like it. I prefer the bright airy forms of modern architecture as opposed to the dark dystopian type when it comes to churches. It’d be lovely to see a Solemn High EF Mass celebrated there, as it doesn’t seem to have been designed to preclude that form of Mass.

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