VIDEO Rededication of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception a 'rare opportunity' for celebration

Albany Bishop Howard J. Hubbard lights incense at the Incensation of the Alter at the Mass and rededication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany (Jeff Couch/The Record)

ALBANY — More than 1,000 people packed the newly-refurbished pews of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Sunday for the rededication mass of the recently renovated building.the celebration of the cathedral’s extensive interior and exterior overhaul coincided exactly with the original dedication of the cathedral, which took place on Nov. 21, 1852. One-hundred and fifty-eight years later, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, said there was much to be grateful for.the oldest cathedral in the state, and third-oldest in the nation, Immaculate Conception has served as a community hub of sorts since its erection in the mid-19th century, hosting both traditional Catholic ceremonies and sacraments, as well as inter-faith, academic and community events, Hubbard said.Features that make the structure unique – its 62-foot vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, award-winning stations of the cross, walnut and mahogany fixtures, marble floors – have been enhanced through the restoration project, Hubbard said, a “labor of love” that required the cooperation of dozens of individuals ranging from city officials to benefactors to architects and engineers to parish staff to parishioners themselves.now, among other changes, Immaculate Conception boasts a new paint and lighting scheme, a reconstructed altar and updated pews, which Hubbard swore “must have been designed for leprechauns,” a quip that made the congregation roar with laughter.that congregation included parishioners from the 14 counties represented by the Albany Diocese, in addition to several bishops and more than 100 priests. Cardinal Edward Egan and new York Archbishop Timothy Dolan were also in attendance.Fran Meltz, representing Sacred Heart in North Albany, said she loved the changes to the church, which seems brighter to her now, and enjoyed the chance to share an important milestone with her fellow Catholics.“It’s a rare opportunity for everyone in the diocese to get together to celebrate such an event,” she said.that feeling was shared by Ken Dukes Jr., from St. Mary’s in Oneonta, who said Sunday’s congregation represented “a real slice” of the diocese.Dukes, who brought his 10-year-old son to the mass, said he also enjoyed the cathedral’s new look, especially the lighting.“It’s cleaner, the colors stand out a lot more. It just looks brighter and livelier,” he said.during the homily, Bishop Hubbard urged those assembled to relish the significance of the cathedral.“This building is an historical, architectural and spiritual treasure, … a symbol of sacred in the midst of secular,” he said.like Medieval European churches, Hubbard hoped that Immaculate Conception could be considered a place “where people can come together to share their beliefs, experiences, ideals and values.”“Please know, all are welcome here,” he added.Touching upon that idea, Hubbard said the cathedral would be undergoing an evangelization initiative throughout the next three years that would attempt to bring so-called lapsed Catholics back into the fold, as well as reach out to others who may be searching for the fulfillment that only God’s love can bring.“We who have inherited this architectural, historical masterpiece are now called to hand it on for the benefit of future generations,” he said. “This is especially needed in our age of religious indifference, rampant secularism and growing atheism, which surrounds us. We must rejoice and be proud of our spiritual heritage.”Embedded in that heritage is a sad history of wrong-doing, Hubbard said, and the renewal of the cathedral Sunday should be an opportunity for all parishioners and Catholics to renew their baptismal promise to reject Satan and sinfulness. Examples Hubbard mentioned included personal sinfulness summarized by the seven deadly sins as well as institutional sinfulness such as racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamaphobia and homophobia.Hubbard also asked God for forgiveness for the sexual abuse of minors, a “terrible breach of sacred trust.”“Today, we are all in need of renewal and reform,” he said. “just as the cathedral has been restored through new lighting, paint and plaster, so we, individually and communally, must restore our lives by turning away from evil and turning toward our God of love.”“May we be renewed spiritually and go forth as God commands us … to live in spirit and truth,” Hubbard said as he concluded his remarks. “Live in such a way that truly gives honor and glory to God and that brings hope, peace and betterment to God’s people.”Katie Nowak can be reached at 270-1287, by e-mail at knowak@troyrecord.com or on Twitter @knowak_record.

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VIDEO Rededication of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception a ‘rare opportunity’ for celebration

celebration, incense, pews, roman catholic diocese of albany, sacraments