Work is underway on repairs and renovations for Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River; diocese looking for public’s help to finish

As the mother church of the Diocese of Fall River, the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River draws Catholics from across southeastern Massachusetts for significant liturgies and events. Once a year, however, one special gathering brings together the faithful to celebrate and support the cathedral church itself.

The annual Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala is an opportunity to focus attention on the 170-year-old landmark church and to raise funds for repairs and renovations to it. The Gala will take place this Wednesday, June 25th, at White’s of Westport, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Lumen Christi, meaning ‘Light of Christ,’ captures the role that St. Mary’s Cathedral plays in the Diocese, and the Gala aims to shine a light on the critical repairs and improvements to restore the church, which bears the effects of age and weather.

The Diocese states that thanks to supporters of the Cathedral Gala since its inception in 2022, work is ongoing to address some of the most pressing needs. In recent years, the deteriorated frames of the clerestory windows along both the top east and west sides have been 90% repaired and water leaks into the church stopped. Also, energy efficient LED fixtures and lamps have replaced the existing quartz up and down lights, resulting in a brighter and warmer-feeling interior. At the same time, the church’s electric panel was upgraded. Missing slates were replaced in sections of the high roof to prevent further water damage to the ceiling.

According to the Diocese, needs remain, and continued restoration is essential in order to preserve and maintain St. Mary’s. Proceeds from this year’s Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala are eyed for completing the remaining 10% of the work on the clerestory windows, repairing slate damage on the lower roof and beginning repair and restoration of the bell tower.

The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala will feature a multi-course seated meal, a brief program highlighting the Cathedral, and entertainment by Vatican III, a jazz group of local priest musicians. During the program, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will bestow the Luminary Award on St. Mary’s Cathedral parishioners Madeleine and Richard Grace. Madeleine leads the Cathedral’s choir of which Richard is a member. Richard, a professor emeritus of history at Providence College, is a historian of the cathedral. They are being honored for their commitment to the cathedral community as well as their dedication and generosity to the Diocese of Fall River.

More information on the Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala is available here: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/cathedral-gala/.