CITY OF ANGELS
L.A. is big-really big-and it takes something enormous to bring its vast population together-something like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
More than one thousand people got a private glimpse of the $200 million landmark at an elegant blacktie fundraiser under the stars.
The crowd was a mix of movers, shakers and celebrities and more well-dressed priests then you’d find at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. As they arrived at the expansive plaza, guests were greeted by dozens of mariachi musicians while waiters made the rounds with champagne and flash-grilled ahi appetizers.
The first thing to catch everyone’s eye was the spectacular fountain created by Malibu artist Lita Albuquerque. A wonder of blue glass and white marble, it bears the inscription, “I shall give you living waters” in 37 languages.
The cathedral itself was bathed in a lavender glow. At the entrance, a welcoming angel with outstretched arms hovered above sculptor Robert Graham’s massive 25-ton bronze doors. At the base, Cardinal Roger Mahony beamed with joy.
“Have you been inside?” he queries. “Isn’t it great?”
No doubt the interior is impressive. Decorative touches include the intricately carved Ezcary Retablo-a spectacular baroque altarpiece brought in from Spain. A single artist labored on the black walnut carving for most of his life, from 1605 to 1687. Although the years had taken their toll, the piece has been lovingly restored by the pros over at the Getty Institute.
While the old St. Vibiana’s Cathedral is gone, its beautiful stained glass windows were spared and are now on display. “I love the mix of old and new,” said Leo Riske. “It’s a really nice touch.” But the overall feel is spacious, modern and clean with large alabaster windows, shiny sconces and a grooved, geometric ceiling. “It’s joyous, light and bright,” noted Rich Fox. “It’s enormous, yet on a human scale.” Soon it was time for a gourmet dinner on the plaza, with a choral performance and light show to follow. Anjelica Huston, Edward James Olmos and Rita Moreno read passages about sacred spaces and spiritual centers, while images of the world’s most famous cathedrals flashed behind them. For volunteers like Carol Hartung, it was a moment to remember.
“I’ve been watching all of this since February,” she said, “and to see it all come together is just awesome.”
As the evening drew to a close, the cardinal was there to shake hands and bid folks farewell. “It’s your cathedral,” he’d say. “Come back often.”