“A million people came to pay their respects”, you might overhear a tour guide saying a few feet away. They would be talking about the crowds that came to mourn the death of Cardinal George Mundelein. His body lay in state at Holy Name Cathedral in 1939. It was a testament to the impact the cardinal and this cathedral had on the city of Chicago. Holy Name Cathedral has stood as a beacon of faith in Chicago for over a century. It has witnessed the city’s triumphs and tragedies.
The cathedral we see today wasn’t the first to stand on this site. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 tragically destroyed both the Cathedral of Saint Mary and the Church of the Holy Name. This devastating event left a void in the city’s spiritual landscape. The people of Chicago, however, are known for their resilience. Determined to rebuild, they sought out the talents of Patrick Charles Keely. Keely was a renowned architect known for his stunning Gothic Revival designs.
Construction began in 1874 and, on November 21, 1875, the new Holy Name Cathedral opened its doors. It stood as a powerful symbol of hope and rebirth. As you gaze upon the intricate details and soaring arches, consider the skilled artisans who poured their hearts into creating this house of worship. Notice the massive bronze doors. They alone weigh 1,200 pounds each.
Step inside and look up. The ceiling of Holy Name Cathedral is truly a sight to behold. It’s composed of 23,000 individual pieces of wood. These pieces create not just a ceiling but a work of art. The interior houses other remarkable works like the suspended Resurrection Crucifix by Ivo Demetz.