Bishop's Dinner to feature Bishop William Weigand

Friday, Sep. 25, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — The interior renovation of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, which was completed in 1993 and included seismic retrofitting, was needed “to save the building, but also to preserve life in the case of a catastrophic event” such as a serious earthquake, said the Most. Rev. William K. Weigand, Bishop emeritus of Sacramento, who, as seventh Bishop of Salt Lake City, oversaw the construction that closed the cathedral for two years.

When Bishop Weigand arrived in Utah in 1980, local Catholics were aware that the cathedral renovation was needed because his predecessor, Bishop Joseph L. Federal, had already restored the exterior and let it be known that the interior of the 80-year-old building also needed work, he said.

“In a sense, I had no choice; it was already on the agenda. However, it didn’t happen easily for a number of reasons,” said Bishop Weigand, who will discuss those reasons and other details of the renovation during his keynote presentation at the Oct. 1 Bishop’s Dinner. 

“I’m basically going to reveal what we did and why we did the cathedral project,” he said. 

The Cathedral of the Madeleine is “the clearest sign and most obvious symbol of the Catholic presence” in Utah, Bishop Weigand said, adding that many visitors to Salt Lake City don’t expect “to find a major Catholic presence, so when they see the cathedral, and its prominent position, just up the street from Temple Square,  and how beautiful it is, they’re very surprised, and it immediately speaks to them about the size and the prominence and the stamina, in a sense, of Catholicism in a very Mormon state.” 

In addition to the renovation of the building, Bishop Weigand and Monsignor M. Francis Mannion, the cathedral rector from 1986 to 2000, established a number of community outreach programs.

“I’d say [the Cathedral of the Madeleine] is an even stronger symbol today than it was before the restoration because it is open, and people are invited and encouraged to come,” said Bishop Weigand, adding that he feels honored and privileged to have presided for more than 13 years at the Cathedral of the Madeleine because of its beauty, but because of the setting, “where we had long been present and very proudly present, and made our presence felt. … It was always a joy for me to offer Mass there, whether on big occasions or just ordinary occasions.” 

The Cathedral of the Madeleine is “the center and the heart of the Church in Utah; it’s physically present, and not just for those who belong to the cathedral parish, but for all Catholics of the diocese,” he said, “plus it’s more beautiful than any other church, and the big events always take place there, so it’s very special.” 

What: 2015 Bishop’s Dinner

When: Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.

Where: Grand America, 555 Main St., SLC

Tickets: $150

The keynote speaker will be the Most. Rev. William K. Weigand, seventh Bishop of Salt Lake City and Bishop emeritus of Sacramento. Msgr. M. Francis Mannion, who was pastor during the Cathedral of the Madeleine’s interior renovation, will be the honored guest. 

For information or reservations, contact Patricia Wesson, 801-328-8941 ext. 108.