The Diocese of Orange in California has announced the completion of its extensive renovation of Christ Cathedral, a former Protestant megachurch. The project, which began in 2011, transformed the iconic glass-faced building into a major centre of Catholic worship.
The Diocese purchased the property, previously known as the Crystal Cathedral, and the renovation process, which spanned seven years aimed to redesign the building to comply with Catholic liturgical traditions. Today, Christ Cathedral hosts nearly a dozen Masses in multiple languages every weekend, serving over 12,000 Catholics.
The completion of the St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts marked the final phase of the renovation project. The chapel features an elaborate tabernacle inspired by medieval goldsmithing and a relic of St. Callistus I.
Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange expressed gratitude for the completion of the project, stating, “It was a long path to reach this moment, but the Lord gets us to where we need to be.” The renovation encompasses multiple buildings, including a diocesan pastoral centre, cultural centre, gift shop, and television studio.
Christ Cathedral’s expansive campus serves as a hub for Catholic life in Orange County. The Diocese of Orange comprises 1.3 million Catholics, 58 parishes, five Catholic centres, and 36 schools. The cathedral’s diverse community comes together for 11 Masses in four languages every weekend.