About The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah:
The mother church for the entire state of Utah and the only Cathedral in the U.S. that is under the patronage of Saint Mary Magdalene, the Cathedral was begun in the year 1900 and completed in 1909.
In case you are wondering about the name, Madeleine is a modern rendering, found in English and French, of the Greek Μαγδαληνὴ (Magdalene, “from Magdala”).
The exterior of the Cathedral remains substantially the same today as it was in 1909, except for the addition of a tympanum over the main doors and the double flight of steps leading to the main entrance.
Renovations on the exterior took place between 1975 and 1980 under the leadership of The Most Reverend Joseph Lennox Federal, sixth bishop of Salt Lake City. These including putting a new copper roof on the building, protecting the porous Utah sandstone from further erosion and replacing the gargoyles.
The interior of the Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the U.S.A. and has many areas of interest.
The murals at the front of the Cathedral were designed and painted by Felix Lieftuchter in 1918. They represent a combination of Byzantine, Spanish Gothic, and modern styles.
At the center is the figure of Christ on the Cross, with God the Father and the Holy Spirit above.
The Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, established in 1909 and consisting of adult members and choristers from The Madeleine Choir School, exists principally to serve the liturgical prayer of the cathedral church of the Diocese of Salt Lake City. The choir sings weekly at the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass, for Solemnities, and the 6:00 PM Holy Day Masses throughout the year. Check their website for more details.
Headed to Paris? Be sure to check out the church of La Madeleine.
Finding the Cathedral of The Madeleine in Salt Lake City:
Address: 331 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Tel: +1 801-328-8941
Click here for the official website of the Cathedral of The Madeleine in Salt Lake City.
