Expands Church’s Mission in Parishes, Schools and Social Services - Peter Lynch takes leadership role in Campaign.

Braintree, MA ---- Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston, today announced the public launch of a $200 million capital campaign to strengthen and expand the work of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese. It is the first Archdiocesan-wide capital campaign undertaken in nearly two decades and it is one of the largest faith-based fundraising efforts currently being conducted in the United States. Peter Lynch assisted Cardinal Seán as chair of the quiet phase with extensive leadership outreach over the past two and half years.
 
Inspiring Hope: Our Cardinal’s Campaign for the Future of Our Catholic Faith is a five-year campaign designed to support many important efforts underway in Catholic parishes, schools and social service agencies across 144 communities. 

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Faith & Form:  The International Journal on Religion, Art and Architecture; January 15, 2020 edition

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross is the largest Roman Catholic church in New England. Built in the Gothic Revival style using local Roxbury puddingstone and gray limestone trim, the 61,600-square-foot cathedral was consecrated in 1875 and had not had a comprehensive renovation in decades. The archdiocese asked for a comprehensive renovation to bring new life and light to the holy space-inside and out.

To gain a full understanding of the existing architecture, including the 85-foot-high nave, the design team used a 3D digital model developed by the construction team from laser scans.  This afforded precise measurements for the placement of MEP systems, fire protection, life safety systems, and the lighting plan. Designers also analyzed black and white historical photos to discover former interior details that may have been altered over the years.

In addition to backlighting the stained-glass windows for exte­rior illumination, a complete lighting redesign was implemented to improve visibility and drama, brightening formerly dark ceilings and facades. Comprehensive interior renovations also included reconfiguring the sanctuary platforms, projecting the altar closer to congregants; restoring/refreshing and lightening interior finishes; integrating modern infrastructural upgrades and ADA improvements;creating new liturgical appointments to match the original marble appointments; installing natural stone floors in the sanctuary /nave. Liturgical painters refurbished the original oil-painted Stations of the Cross and restored murals in the apse ceiling. Gold accents were restored on column capitals and added to ceiling truss trims, and sanctuary wall patterns were replicated from historic photos.
 
Jury Comments
This is a very sensitive restoration of a classic building. The renovation/restoration is very understated and restrained bringing lightness to the interior. The liturgical furnishings have a wonderful scale. There is a great relation of the ambo to the font. The project reveals a great level of skill in retaining the best elements of the original structure, and emphasizes the bones of the building.

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By Emily Sweeney - Globe Staff

Light filled the Cathedral of the Holy Cross Friday as workers with drills and paint brushes put the finishing touches on an extensive restoration of the historic building.

Warmly known among Catholics as the “mother church” of the Boston Archdiocese, the cathedral now looks as beautiful as it must have when it was first dedicated in 1875.

​And on this Palm Sunday, the public will have the chance to worship in the main church for the first time since it was closed for renovation two years ago. Churchgoers will immediately notice how bright the place is. The colors of the stained-glass windows seem bolder and more vibrant. The stone floor is gleaming, the pews look brand-new.