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Years ago, as a solemn liturgy at the Vatican ran across a television screen - the scene one of ancient music, swirling incense and ranks of vested clerics - a friend said, "No one does this sort of thing like the Catholics."

The same thought came to mind as the rededication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception began in Albany Nov. 21.

Catholics of all stripes filled the pews and folding chairs. Outside on Eagle Street gathered the Knights and Dames of Malta, the Knights of Columbus, dozens of deacons and scores of priests, New York State's bishops, New York's Archbishop Timothy Dolan, retired New York Cardinal Edward Egan and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

They filed in with stately joy. Archbishop Dolan shook his clasped hands to cheer on the winning team. From the hymn "Locus Iste," we sang "This place is God's/And the gate of heaven."

So it seemed. After decades of a gloomy interior, more vibrant tans and reds now illuminate the cathedral's walls and ceiling.

Bishop Hubbard, in his homily, traced the history of the building, which had its formal opening on the same day in 1852. For the rededication, Bishop Hubbard wore the pectoral cross of Bishop John McCloskey, who served the Albany Diocese from 1847-64.

"I remember being disappointed when I first entered the cathedral, when I was in eighth grade in 1952," Bishop Hubbard recalled. His family had just bought a car, he said, and they traveled from their home in distant Troy to see what he recalled as "a dark and gloomy place."

He remembered serving at the cathedral as a young priest under his mentor, Msgr. John Jones, and celebrating Mass below the soaring 62-foot-high transept. He also recalled being late for his first liturgy, and being greeted with rows of irate, glaring Catholics.

In celebrating the structure, he noted that much remains to be done. Only 40 percent of the exterior has been reconstructed and it still needs air conditioning, a rebuilt south tower and a restored organ. He promised to be outside after Mass to collect donations.

Bishop Hubbard heralded the cathedral's rebirth as a place for liturgy, teaching and evangelization, as well as culture, intellectual exchange and music.

On a more somber note, the Bishop said the cathedral was a place for reconciliation. He listed the deadly sins that afflict Catholics personally and the institutional sins of authoritarianism, prejudice, anti-Semitism and the like.

Bishop Hubbard asked forgiveness for "the breach of trust" committed by several priests who were ordained at the cathedral and were later implicated in the sexual abuse of minors.

The readings were on point. The Gospel of John featured a Samaritan asking Christ where they were to worship, in Jerusalem or on their mountain.

The passage from Nehemiah detailed how Ezra read the book of the law of Moses to all of Israel, gathered for the occasion.

Ezra stood on a wooden platform specially built for the occasion and encouraged them to eat and drink well, "for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength."

The reading was a reminder that, despite some rumblings over the restoration's cost, Catholics need a platform, as did Ezra, to proclaim the Good News.

We must share our food as well as our faith with others. Now, we have a platform and place to renew the Albany Diocese.

(11/25/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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