As you’re probably aware, we just celebrated The Feast of the Annunciation, one of the principal feasts of the Christian church, on March 25 (Lady Day), nine months before Christmas. A special thank you to everyone who attended the Family of Parishes Mass on Friday to celebrate! The Annunciation has been one of the most frequent subjects of Christian art; it appears in the work of almost all the great masters. So, this makes it the perfect week to remind everyone of the mission of this Cathedral:
The Archdiocesan Cathedral Council (ACC) focuses on creating and growing the Mother Church of Detroit into an Apostolic Center which provides engaging Arts, Culture, Education and Service Opportunities. It will allow people of all faiths and backgrounds to be warmly welcomed within the Catholic Church, better encounter the love of God, grow in their understanding of their mission as disciples, and witness that love to everyone they meet. Here are some ways we are working on that mission!
Statues and Relics – In addition to finalizing the design of the mounted-pedestal prototype (Have you seen it yet?), we have been working hard the last few months developing the fundraising campaign to permanently install the Apostlic Statues and Relics. Look for information on how you can help support the project next month! If you would like to donate now, you can do so through our website.
Sanctuary Lamp – We are excited to announce that the hardware is being procured for the new Sanctuary Lamp! It will hang from the ceiling in front of the Chapel. Keep an eye out for it in the next few weeks!
Garden Walk – a committee is just beginning work to create a beautiful art filled garden walk on the north side of the Cathedral. This area will include the Grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes.
Sips, Suds, and the Sacred – stayed tuned we are hoping to bring Artists who will display their work to the Cathedral and allow you to sample some local beers and wine as you enjoy the art.
Letter to Artists from Saint John Paul II
…at the end of the Council the Fathers addressed a greeting and an appeal to artists: “This world—they said—in which we live needs beauty in order not to sink into despair. Beauty, like truth, brings joy to the human heart and is that precious fruit which resists the erosion of time, which unites generations and enables them to be one in admiration!”
– Chris Broses and Mark Garascia