Archbishop Leonard P. Blair
Recently in these pages I wrote to you about the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Cathedral of St. Joseph. It is a church that belongs to all of us as members of the family of Catholic Faith in our archdiocese. More than ever we need to preserve and strengthen our solidarity as members of that family in a world increasingly splintered by anger, division, denunciation and even violence, and in a society turning its back on religious faith and practice as its moral and spiritual foundation.
We can never presume that our society, our church, or even a Cathedral are doing well and have no need of our attention. It’s not just that things can always be improved, but they also need to be maintained so that they can endure in a changing environ-. A house painted white will not remain white forever without a regular repainting! Our Cathedral dates from the 1960s. Structural additions and repairs have been made over time, but it is still in need of repairs and improvements.
And much has changed since the Cathedral was built. It’s really two churches, an upper and lower, both of which were once needed for Mass attendance, but no longer. Today the needs are very different. The Cathedral has grown into a major center of charity and community service in the heart of the capital city which is also the seat of our archdiocese. The Cathedral campus now houses the Malta House of Care, Cathedral Food Pantry and Cathedral Clothing Bank, all of which are readily accessible, addressing the needs of the underserved and nurturing an environment of care and support. This witness to love of neighbor is more important than ever in a society that increasingly questions the value of religion and the difference it makes.
In the midst of the State Capitol building and the many tall structures dedicated to “the city of man” the Cathedral, with its illuminated cross high on its tower, is a reminder of that other city, “the city of God,” seen from east and west as you enter the City of Hartford. What has stood as a symbol of religious faith and practice now also stands as a symbol of charity, compassion and community. With open doors and open hearts, the Cathedral Campus welcomes all to be a part of a journey of faith.
The concluding phase of the Forward with Faith campaign of the Hartford Bishops’ Foundation (HBF) is focused on a Cathedral Campus Master Plan. That plan includes the Borges Family Plaza at the Cathedral entrance; Hoffman Hall, which will repurpose the lower church into a versatile space for activities and events. Examples include gatherings before and after Cathedral liturgies, and receptions for Confirmations, Ordinations, Marriages and community needs. There will be adequate kitchen space and rest rooms, while also preserving and refurbishing the existing St. Joseph and Mary Mother of God Chapels as well as the niches dedicated to statues and beautiful stained glass commemorating various saints.
As Archbishop, it is my obligation to see that the Cathedral remains not only structurally sound and liturgically beautiful, but also representative of the charity and engagement of the church in our community. Just as our forebears in the faith were challenged to build it, you and I are now challenged to renew it materially, spiritually and socially. I invite you to join me and the HBF in doing so, using the envelope that is attached to this edition of the Transcript to make your contribution. Thank you for your consideration and your generosity.