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Mission San Luis Obispo celebrates recognition as pro-Cathedral
The parish community of Mission San Luis Obispo celebrated its designation as a pro-Cathedral for the Diocese of Monterey during a blessing rite at the outdoor Heritage Day Mass on 19 August. Held under a spacious tent on a sunny Sunday, Bishop Richard Garcia blessed a large replica of a coat of arms that will serve as a sign the Mission 's status as a pro-Cathedral. The coat of arms blends the bishop's personal elements with diocesan heraldry.
Bishop Garcia presided at the mass with Mission SLO pastor Fr. Russell Brown while newly ordained Chuck Roeder served as deacon. Under a tent that spanned the two olive trees at either end of the parking lot, Bishop Rich wove elements of the Transfiguration story into his homily. Speaking to the Heritage Day attendees Bishop Rich said, “Just as the presence of God so overwhelmed Peter that he wanted to build three tents on the Mount, so too today do we feel God's presence under this tent among the people here present. We also sense God's presence in all those who have gone before us and given of themselves over many years to build up this community.”
Bishop Rich elaborated on the historical significance of the Mission and its long tradition of hosting larger diocesan functions that take place in the southern part of the diocese. Also, because of the relatively small size of the Cathedral in Monterey , there is a compelling need for alternate locations to be designated to function in place of the Cathedral. Madonna del Sasso Church in Salinas has also been named as the other pro-Cathedral for the Diocese of Monterey.
The Heritage Day Mass and the La Mesa Dinner fundraiser held the previous evening highlighted the deep roots and long extending branches of the parish family. Acknowledging the diversity of cultures that have been historically active in the parish, ministers read aloud the prayers of the faithful in seven languages.
The parish of Mission San Luis Obispo has nearly completed the second phase of its mandatory earthquake retrofit. The first phase reinforced the Jimmy Ramos and Rita Goehner Youth Center . Work there was completed in 2006 and the center is enjoyed by many in safety. The second phase included the museum and convento wing of the parish campus which underwent significant reinforcement work throughout the spring and summer of 2007. Except for the final clean up touches, the museum and gift shop look to be back at full operating capacity in the immediate future. The third and largest piece of the retrofit project is the historic church building itself. Construction is expected to start at the conclusion of the rainy season in 2008.
-KJD
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