Situated in the historic and burgeoning Boston's South End, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross stands not only as a monument to those who were responsible for its construction but continues to serve as a beacon to its many visitors and parishioners who attend its services and programs as well as to those who participate in its myriad of parish activities.
Additionally many of those whose support helped raise this Roxbury pudding stone edifice (along with gray limestone) to a height of 120 feet a century and a half ago, were similar in several ways to those who currently attend the Cathedral.
Boston's South End was in a state of transition during the second part of the nineteenth century. The demographics were changing — what was originally a largely non-Catholic section of the city transitioned as an enclave with a substantial immigrant population — many of whom were Irish. And today, the Cathedral continues to serve an immigrant population. Indeed, Masses are celebrated not only in English but in Spanish, Latin (Extraordinary Form) and Ge'ez Rite (Ethiopian.) Masses are also held on weekdays and of course on weekends. There is also a later Sunday early evening Mass in English at 5:30 pm. This Mass seems to be particularly popular with the area's younger adults.
Coincidentally the dynamic is comparable today — although not with the Irish but with many other ethnic groups, many of whom share Catholicism as their religious heritage and who have made the South End their home. Indeed, with the many new developments in the South End, the population has emerged as a location where not just the number of inhabitants are increasing but the expansion of new businesses as well. It would not be unreasonable to suggest that this significant section of Boston has become vibrant and exciting, reflective of the growth and progress of the City of Boston itself.
The Cathedral started construction in April of 1866, and consecrated as the Cathedral Church of the Metropolitan See of Boston nine years later on December 8, 1875 by Archbishop John J. Williams. This year is the Cathedral's sesquicentennial.
The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style by prominent church architect Patrick C. Keely; although based out of New York Keely designed hundreds of church buildings throughout the East including many in the Boston area. Keely himself was an Irish immigrant having roots in County Tipperary.
The imposing structure can boast measurements of 364 feet in length and 90 feet in width and holding a capacity close to 2000 people. When one enters from the vestibule, the beauty, color and all around ambiance that continues to be so much a component of the historic cathedrals in the Old World can truly be appreciated here too. The Cathedral also has a smaller chapel on the side as well as a lower church where Masses are also celebrated.
Monsignor Kevin J. O'Leary has been the rector since 2008; and in that time two apparent changes have occurred; one is the renovation of the interior and the other an increase in attendance. Indeed, Msgr. O'Leary indicates at the conclusion of the weekend Masses how grateful and encouraged he is that "so many young people — and young families worship here. After all, young people are the future of the Church!"
This year of 2025 has been an exciting anniversary year at the Cathedral; its religious observances, concerts, programs and other events allows visitors to not only enjoy and appreciate what this church offers but also permits one to truly grasp what a treasure this Cathedral is and it exists right here in the city.
The Masses during the weekend are as follows: Saturday in English at 4:30 PM and Sundays in English at 8:00 AM; 11:30 AM (with choir); and 5:30 PM. Spanish at 9:30 AM; Extraordinary Form (Latin) at 10:00 AM; and in the Alexandrian Ge'ez Rite at 1:00 PM. And, check the Cathedral's website at holycrossboston.com for the upcoming Christmas and New Year's schedule.