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YOUNGSTOWN -- The newly renovated sanctuary at St. Columba Cathedral was dedicated and blessed by Youngstown Bishop David Bonnar at the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, just in time for Christmas.
Renovations have been going on for about a year and were part of the Youngstown Diocese's 80th anniversary celebration. St. Columba is the "mother church" of the Diocese.
The sanctuary encompasses the altar, ambo (pulpit) and cathedra (the bishop's chair), as well as the space where deacons, additional clergy and the cantor stand during Mass. The renovations "bring about greater harmony between the elements of the space and their liturgical importance. The renovations also enhance the beauty of the cathedral's prominent mosaic, along with additional aesthetic improvements," according to a news release from the diocese.
Using marble from the side altars, which were removed (and were no longer being used, as part of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council), a new cathedra was constructed. The cathedra now includes the Coat of Arms of the bishop, which is standard in cathedrals around the world.
Some of the marble also was used to make a stand for the cantor that unifies the look of the altar, ambo and cathedra. The platform on the existing ambo was extended for safety reasons. The altar has been slightly elevated and the sanctuary floor has been reinforced with steel beams to withstand the weight of a new top for the altar, which will be installed in the new year.
A thorough cleaning of the mosaic featuring saints on the back wall of the sanctuary was done, and new lighting has been added to accentuate it as a work of art. An accent of green on the sanctuary floor also complements the mosaic. The sconces on the walls have been refinished and handrails will be added in the future.
Monsignor Robert Siffrin, St. Columba Cathedral's rector, oversaw the cathedral renovation, working with a committee of clergy, laity and experts. The liturgical design consultant for the project was Mark Cousineau and Henninger's Inc., which is based in the Cleveland area.