History of the Cathedral
Facing New Challenges
Feb. 12, 2008
A sizable piece of the ceiling broke off and fell to the church floor. Engineers determined a total structural repair of the ceiling was needed, as well as restoration to the 32 columns supporting the roof. The church was closed for seven months while workers meticulously restored and refitted the ornate ceiling and columns. During the reconstruction, Masses were held in the cafeteria, Club Room and Auditorium with weddings transferred to St. Joseph Church (1107 N. Orleans).
Aug. 30, 2008
Cathedral reopens with new reinforced ceiling, sanctuary ramp, reliquary cases, remodeled basement bathrooms, confessional, display cases and Marian Shrine.
Feb. 4, 2009
An electrical fire occurs in the ceiling above Cathedral’s courtyard door. There was no smoke or fire damage inside the sanctuary, but the Cathedral did suffer severe water damage. While closed, St. Joseph and St. Michael Churches were used for weddings and funerals, the Club Room, cafeteria, Auditorium were used for Masses along with Quigley Chapel and Loyola’s Baumhart chapel
July 31, 2009
Holy Name Cathedral re-opens for regular ceremonies.
2009
New handicapped-accessible entrance and elevator is completed along with new floors, new HVAC, lighting and pews; however Bookstore closes due to financial constraints.
2011
The newly renovated and renamed Bishop Timothy J. Lyne Rectory opened. It is the home for Cathedral residents and the Oblate Sisters, and houses offices for parish staff.
Sept. 25, 2013
Bishop Timothy Lyne died in his sleep at age 94 at the Rectory. He had been a priest for 70 years, a bishop for 30 years and spent 47 years at Holy Name Cathedral.
Sept. 20, 2014
Pope Francis accepted Cardinal Francis George’s resignation as archbishop of Chicago and named Bishop Blase J. Cupich from Spokane, Washington as his successor. George was the first Chicago archbishop to meet his successor.
Nov. 18, 2014
Bishop Blase Joseph Cupich is installed as Chicago’s ninth Archbishop; he chooses to reside in Holy Name rectory while maintaining offices in Pastoral Center at 835 N. Rush
April 17, 2015
Cardinal Francis George died of cancer in his residence at age 78.
Aug. 21 2016
Fr. Gregory Sakowicz (pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Evanston) is installed as the 10th rector of Holy Name Cathedral.
Nov. 19, 2016
Pope Francis elevates Archbishop Cupich to become Chicago’s seventh Cardinal.
March 14, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic closes Cathedral after 8:15 am Mass and all parish ministries are put on pause; Cardinal Cupich’s weekly Sunday Masses are televised and Cathedral resumes with a reduced schedule the following year.
2021
One Chicago building opens across State Street in the former Cathedral surface parking lot. Located at 14 W. Superior St., two levels of parking are designated solely for the use by the Archdiocese of Chicago and Holy Name Cathedral parishioners, visitors and staff.
April 21, 2023
The first “Heart of Holy Name” gala raises funds for parish ministries and the Heart of Holy Name award goes to Deacon Stan Strom facilities chief.
April 12, 2024
The second “Heart of Holy Name” continues support for parish support and Heart of Holy Name award goes to Fr. John P. Boivin, longtime associate pastor.
Nov. 18, 2024
Holy Name celebrates its 175th anniversary as a parish. In its honor, the City of Chicago proclaims Nov. 18, 2024 “Holy Name Cathedral Day.”
