On Tuesday, May 9, I had the distinct honor to photograph our diocesan cathedral's Dedication Mass. The Cathedral is where the Bishop's Chair is located, and it is considered the seat of the diocese for the Roman Catholic Church. (A diocese is a group of churches/parishes in a geographic region.)

I LOVE beautiful churches. I love beautiful liturgies, beautiful music and beautiful art. Beauty is transcendent and helps lift our hearts to Heaven. I am so thankful that the Cathedral reflects the immeasurable beauty of God, the source of all that is good.

A crucifix, hand-carved in 1877 by Philadelphian Herman Kim, was a gift to our Cathedral from Cardinal Rigali and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Eight bishops, one cardinal, dozens of priests and several deacons and seminarians joined the celebration. The Mass was rich in symbolic rites and engaged all the senses with the music, incense, sprinkling of Holy Water, ritual lighting of candles and other aspects to enhance the dignity of the event. It was a humbling experience to document this Mass. I hope you enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed making them. To see the full take (350+ images) please visit the Diocese of Saginaw on Flickr.

Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Fr. Jim Bessert holds a brazier with burning incense on the Altar to symbolize our sacrifice of praise. Bishop Cistone pours Sacred Chrism onto five crosses etched into the altar, representing the five wounds of Christ. In doing this, he consecrates it as the sacred icon of Christ in our midst. Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9 Dedication of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, Diocese of Saginaw, May 9