How welcome it is to be "home" in the newly renovated mother church of our Archdiocese of Detroit, the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Almost nine decades ago, as Detroit was experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion before World War I, Most Blessed Sacrament Parish was built here in the midst of one of the stately neighborhoods of Detroit. As the city and the metropolitan area evolved, Edward Cardinal Mooney had the wisdom to designate Blessed Sacrament as the Cathedral of the Archdiocese. Eventually, the Cathedral's two towers were constructed and its interior renovated. Now, a half-century later, all this history is brought to fulfillment in a new way as we celebrate God's abiding presence in a special liturgy on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25, 2003.

As we rededicate Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and make it a center of hospitality for ecclesial and civic events, I am sure you join me in thanking God for those who have been a part of this great project, including our individual family and parish donors. I trust you marvel with me at the creative wisdom of the architect of the project, Gunnar Birkerts, who refashioned this Gothic building and surroundings as a place of light. We are deeply indebted to Monsignor Anthony Tocco, Father Timothy Pelc, Monsignor James Moloney and to those who have been involved in planning and coordinating the renovation project from concept to completion, attentive to every detail. Monsignor James Robinson, SSE, now completing two decades as Cathedral rector, joins me in welcoming you and asking God's blessing upon you and every person who will enjoy this holy and historic place. In keeping with my episcopal motto, it has been our hope and dream "to make all things new" in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I trust our Cathedral renovation project will be a reminder of the interior journey and renewal we need as we build up a world of peace and justice for all.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

†Adam Cardinal Maida
Archbishop of Detroit