Finding Faith in Denver
Not far from the Capitol Building rises the twin spires of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral started out as a small church in 1860, named St. Mary’s Parish Church, and was the first Catholic church in Colorado. In 1868 the parish Father was appointed as Bishop of Colorado, and so the little parish church became the Cathedral.
Serious work began on the Cathedral in 1890 and continued until 1911, when the twin spires were capped. It was dedicated in 1921 as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and consecrated in 1921 before it was elevated to a minor basilica in 1979. A basilica is a large, important church which has been the object of special ceremonies by the Pope. In 1993, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at the Cathedral as part of the World Youth Day celebration which was held in Denver that year. The twin spires outside are 220 ft. tall, and have been hit by lightning twice! Once in 1912, which struck the west spire, and then again in 1993. The east spire was struck the second time lighting hit. Each time costly repairs had to be done to the Cathedral before it was re-dedicated months later in 1913 and 1998, respectively.
The Basilica is the Mother Church of the Catholic faith here in Colorado, and is a beautiful building built from limestone imported from Indiana and granite mined in Gunnison, Colorado. People of all faiths are known to seek out the Cathedral for it’s beauty, especially the stained glass that explodes with color in the sunlight. There are seventy five of them in all, made in Munich, Germany by F.X. Zetter’s Royal Bavarian Institute. They really must be seen to be believed, as the pictures do not do them justice. They depict various Biblical scenes such as the Wedding Feast at Cana, and The Last Supper, as well as portraits of apostles, the Virgin Mary, and other notable figures.
Not only is the Cathedral beautiful to see, but the staff and ministry are dedicated to helping out the surrounding neighborhood and Denver in general. The Archdiocese of Denver has set up a fund to help people in Northern Colorado who were affected by tornadoes earlier this month, and they provide over 50,000 lunches to those in need every year as well as donating food, clothing and money to those in need. The Cathedral also hosts a Catholic school for children from Kindergarten to High School. They perform marriages, baptisms (adult and infant) and funerals, of course, as well as offering classes to those who would like to become part of the Catholic faith.
Even if you are not of the Catholic faith, you should make a point to see this historic building in downtown Denver. People of all faiths are welcome to come inside and share in the beauty of the stained glass and the remarkable architecture. Sit in the pews and listen to the ethereal music of the choir (and the impressive pipe organ!) while you take in this man made wonder.
Located at 1530 Logan Street, in Denver, just a few blocks from the Capitol Building. Mass times are Saturday 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. , 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., with Daily Masses Monday thru Friday at 7:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. You can contact the Cathedral directly at 303-831-7010 or email them at info@denvercathedral.org
Tags: Archdiocese of Denver, Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic Faith, Historical Building, Stained GlassRelated Stories
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1 opinion for Finding Faith in Denver
Monday’s Must See: The 16th Street Mall
Jul 27, 2008 at 2:33 pm
[…] the street from the Capitol, The City and County Building, The Central Library, The Courthouses and the Basilica. Hop off at Arapahoe Street and you are two blocks away from The Denver Center for the Performing […]
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