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History of Holy Redeemer Cathedral October 27
Figure 1: Holy Redeemer Cathedral: Belize City Holy Redeemer Cathedral was first constructed on land purchased from the Belize Estate Company. It was constructed in 1852 of wood. In a solemn ceremony in 1854 the church was officially named Holy Redeemer. Sadly, the wooden church was destroyed in the great fire of 17th July, 1856. It was not long after that a new church was built using bricks that were used as ballast in ships. This new church was consecrated on November 4, 1858. The interior of the church bears a little resemblance to the famous church of the Jesuits in Rome known as the Gesu. Unlike the Gesu much mahogany wood was used in the interior in the Church. In 1862, Fr. Biffi S.J. built the two side altars of mahogany; the Main Altar is also made of that beautiful hardwood. It must be noted that three bishops are buried under the floor in the front of where the tabernacle is today. Those Bishops are Salvator di Pietro S.J., Fredrick Hopkins S.J., and William Rice S.J. An old photograph reveals that a life size statue of the Sacred Heart once stood on the Main Altar just in front of where the Crucifix is today. It seems that the year 1862 was a time of much activity at the cathedral as K. Kelvin was contracted to construct two bell towers. This was done during the pastorate of Fr. Avarro, S.J. The original towers boasted Byzantine or onion shape domes. Those domes were a unique feature in this part of the world. There are four bells in one of the towers; all four are rung for joyous celebrations. The Byzantine domes and the tall Gothic steeples were destroyed in the 1931 and the 1961 hurricanes respectively. A great step was taken in 1983 when the sanctuary was enlarged because of the newly gained status of the church; it had been honored with “Cathedral Status”. Father Salvator di Pietro, S.J. was appointed to be the Vicar Apostolic of the Church in Belize. He was consecrated as a Bishop on April 16, 1893. Three American Bishops were present at this grand and historic occasion. Governor Maloney also attended the Mass. In 1929, a pipe organ was installed in the choir loft of the Cathedral. The choir was accessible by ascending a flight of winding stairs which are still in place today. The mighty pipe organ, which was pumped manually, was later adapted to operate by means of a motor that did all the manual work. It pumped air into the bellows and allowed the organ to produce beautiful sounds. The King of Instruments sounded in the Cathedral until early 1970, when it was taken down and replaced with a Wurlitzer electronic organ. Several electronic organs have since been bought for the Cathedral. The Cathedral boasts several stained glass windows that were made in England. One of the windows depicts the shield of Bishop Salvator di Pietro, S.J. In the year 2008, a new stained glass window was recently installed in honor of Bishop Osmond Peter Martin the first native Bishop of Belize. The colorful window which was manufactured in Belize shows his shield. Another window was also commissioned to honor the late Pope John Paul И who was the first pope to visit Belize; this window also has his shield. After the second Vatican Council, which took place in the early 1960’s, several adaptations were made in the Cathedral. The canopy which once hung over the Bishop’s throne was placed above the tabernacle which is now by one side of the altars. The altar rails were also removed. Several statues, which once stood tall and high up on two pillars of the church near to the sanctuary, were taken down. All of these changes were a part of the “aggriornamento” which was taking place worldwide at the time. The flight of the stairs led up to the Main Altar was removed and the altar was brought forward much closer to the people. The priest, who once said Mass in Latin with his back to the people, began to celebrate Mass in the vernacular facing the congregation. The Jesuits who were the pastors of the Cathedral from its establishment were replaced with Diocesan priests in the late 1960’s. Diocesan priests are still in charge of the cathedral today. Jesuits, Benedictines, Divine Word, Solts, Missioneras, Fraternidad and others have helped out in the past. Their assistance still continues today whenever there is a need. Holy Redeemer Cathedral has served Belize City and the whole Belizean Church well over the years. Many significant functions have taken place within her walls such as Baptisms, Weddings, First Communions, Confirmations, Funerals, Ordinations, Graduations, Jubilees, Quinceanos, etc. It is our hope that she will continue to host many more religious ceremonies for God’s glory. Our goal is to continue to enhance the beauty of this place our worship space. It’s a continuous process; we have put our hands to the plow; there is no turning back. May God be praised, Alleluia. Source: Christan Herald: (2008) Volume 30, No.3
Figure 2: View from Inside Holy Redeemer Cathedral
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