Radio Made in Michigan

The bells of St. Mary's ring out at centennial

WKAR Public Media | By Current State

Published December 6, 2013 at 1:54 PM EST

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St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing was consecrated on December 8, 1913.

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

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Monsignor George Michalek has served as the diocesan historian for the last 34 years.

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

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The cathedral's large rose window was installed sometime in 1912.

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

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This stained glass depiction of the Nativity is part of a series that tell the story of the hidden life of Jesus Christ.

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

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This is the cathedral's original tabernacle. It was used from 1913 to 1966.

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

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The coat of arms for the Diocese of Lansing contains the Latin phrase "In Manus Tuas," which means, "Into Your Hands."

WKAR/Kevin Lavery

This Sunday marks the second week of Advent, the start of the Christian church year and the prelude to Christmas. It’s also the 100th anniversary of Lansing’s Roman Catholic cathedral, St. Mary’s.The cathedral actually pre-dates the founding of the Lansing diocese by 24 years. When it was consecrated on December 8, 1913, the building was entirely debt-free, due to the donations of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Now, the diocese will hold a special ceremony to recognize St. Mary’s history and legacy.

Current State’s Kevin Lavery took a tour of the cathedral with diocesan historian Monsignor George Michalek. The first fact Kevin learned is that St. Mary’s technically isn’t the cathedral’s true name.