Bishop's memories reach to 8th grade

"I remember saying Mass in the morning with the sun streaming through the rose window," he said, referring to a large stained-glass window.

While he was impressed with the church itself, he also has memories of the parishioners being patient with him when he was newly ordained.

Late for Mass

"In those days, it was an exception to have an evening Mass, and the Cathedral was given that exception. I was in the rectory preparing for Mass when an usher banged on the door. He said everyone was waiting. What I hadn't been told was that, on Sunday, the Mass time changed from 5:15 to 5. So there I was, 15 minutes late and a standing-room-only crowd. I was newly ordained and late for my first Sunday Mass."

Other memories of the Cathedral that stand out in the Bishop's mind include serving as master of ceremonies for Bishop William Scully's funeral in 1969 and for Bishop Edwin Broderick's installation later that year. (In 1977, Bishop Hubbard succeeded him as head of the Diocese.)

'Jewel'

"It's a jewel of a Gothic church," he said. "It's located at the crossroads of all the major highways in the Diocese, so it's easily accessible. It is the mother Church for the Diocese. I think [visitors] will be impressed with its majesty and grandeur."

As an adult, Bishop Hubbard is able to appreciate the splendor of the Cathedral. He did not on his first visit.

"When I was in eighth grade, our family got our first car," he said. "For our first drive, we went to visit the Cathedral. I was disappointed. It was dark and dreary. In contrast, my home parish was more majestic. I had a sense of doom and gloom."

Since that first visit, he said, his view of the Cathedral has evolved. He now appreciates the architecture, woodwork and stained glass.

Asked if he planned to be buried in the Cathedral like some of his predecessors, Bishop Hubbard replied: "There's one crypt left. Unless someone sneaks in before me, I guess it's mine."

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