Omaha, Nebraska: Cathedral of Saint Cecilia
About the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia:
Probably the most notable of the Churches in Omaha is the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia. The building was built in the Spanish Renaissance style. The marble is unique in the state, made of white Carrara marble from Pietrasanta, Italy. The pulpit is also magnificent, being made from hand-carved mahogany.
Construction began in 1905, and was not fully completed until 1959. However, the church was put to into service much earlier due to the fact that, during a wind storm storm on November 21, 1917, the scaffolding used to raise the south bell tower was blown off the building and crushed the small church. The Omaha World Herald ran a front page photo and brief story the next day.
November 21 is the eve of the Feast of Saint Cecilia, for whom the Cathedral was named.
As a result of this destruction, the new building was put into use before it was actually ready.
Cecila
Our Lady of Nebraska Chapel has stained-glass windows from a 16th-century cathedral in Pamplona, Spain.
In 1988, the Archdiocese added night time lighting to the cathedral, emphasizing its grandeur and beauty at all hours. The entire building was restored in 1998, with thorough treatment for the interior and exterior of the building. Exterior niche statues were added in 2002, and a magnificent new organ was installed in 2003. Built by Pasi Organ Builders, it has unique features unlike any other instrument of its kind in the region. A new Mass altar was added in 2005.
Also located here, behind the Cathedral, is a museum with great exhibits and information about the Cathedral and its history. If you visit the Cathedral be sure to stop by the Museum as well. Admission is free.
Traveling to Saint Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha:
Address: Saint Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N 40th Street, Omaha NE 68131
GPS coordinates: 41° 15′ 59.4504” N, 95° 58′ 19.5816” W
Tel: 402-551-2313.
e-mail: stceciliacathedral@stceciliacathedral.org
Click here for the official website of Saint Cecila’s Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska.
Photos courtesy Cathedral of Saint Cecilia