History of the Cathedral

Expansion and Modernization

Oct. 2, 1939

Cardinal Mundelein died in his sleep at U.M.S.L. To accommodate the Cardinal’s funeral, the city of Chicago hastily re-paves State Street, where the subway had been under construction. More than 1 million people pay their respects as the Cardinal lies in repose in the nave of the Cathedral. Holy Name’s high school was renamed Cardinal Mundelein Catholic High School in his honor.

March 7, 1940

After Ven. Pope Pius XII’s appointment Archbishop of Milwaukee, Samuel Alphonsus Stritch is installed as fourth Archbishop of Chicago (1939-1958).

1945

Archbishop Stritch names Msgr. Patrick Hayes is designated fifth rector.

Feb. 21, 1946

Ven. Pope Pius XII elevates Archbishop Stritch to Chicago’s second Cardinal and a Cana Conference is organized at Holy Name in 1947.

Dec. 25, 1948

For the first time, Midnight Mass at Holy Name Cathedral is broadcast live on television by WBKB-TV.

Nov. 20, 1949

Holy Name Parish celebrates its 100th Anniversary of its founding.

May 27, 1958

Cardinal Stritch dies following a stroke. The new Cathedral grade and high schools opened in September replacing the old Holy Name Academy.

Nov. 16, 1958

After Pope St. John XXIII’s appointment Archbishop Albert Gregory Meyer of Milwaukee is installed as fifth Archbishop of Chicago.

Dec.14, 1959

Pope St. John XXIII appoints Archbishop Meyer as Chicago’s third Cardinal.

1961

New Holy Name convent was erected at the corner of Wabash and Chicago Aves. and school expansion includes auditorium, business and science labs in 1962.

August 1962

On the outer walls facing Chicago Avenue, new school auditorium displays episcopal Coats of Arms of prelates Foley, Feehan, Quigley, Mundelein, Stritch and Meyer

April 9, 1965

Cardinal Meyer dies of cerebral hemorrhage, having led the American hierarchy at Second Vatican Council. His scholarship and leadership are recognized during Vatican II.

Aug. 24, 1965

After Pope St. Paul VI’s appointment, Archbishop John Patrick Cody of New Orleans is installed as Chicago’s sixth Archbishop (1965-1982)

Feb. 1966

Auxiliary Bishop Cletus F. O’Donnell is named sixth rector. In 1967, he became Bishop of Madison Wisconsin.

June 26, 1967

Pope St. Paul VI elevates Archbishop Cody to Chicago’s fourth Cardinal who then vigorously implements Vatican II’s decrees and liturgical reforms.

1967

Holy Name administrator (1966-1967) Fr. Timothy J. Lyne is named seventh rector (1967-1990) and is supported by eight associates and 12 other priests living in the rectory.

April 15, 1968

After discovering an unsafe building structure, Cardinal Cody closes Cathedral on Easter Monday for major Vatican II renovation which concludes on Christmas Eve 1969. During that time Masses are held in the school auditorium, Quigley Chapel, Marina City (300 N. State), Lake Point Tower (505 Lake Shore Dr.), Lake Shore Club (850 Lake Shore Dr.), the Knickerbocker Hotel (163 E. Walton) and Lain Funeral Home (1035 N. Dearborn).

July 19, 1974

Holy Name Cathedral celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the Cathedral cornerstone; Fr. Lyne subsequently initiated the first “Cathedral Raffle” to increase parish funding.

Nov. 21, 1975

Holy Name celebrates 100 years as Chicago’s Cathedral and dedication of the Cathedral building.