Cathedral Becomes Beacon of Light

By Christine Schreck

In addition to the candles on the Advent wreath this year, the Cathedral of Christ the Light is enkindling a new tradition. Energy efficient LED lights capable of being changed to almost any color have been installed to illuminate the exterior of the cathedral.

According to Greg Thibodeaux, director of Cathedral Center Operations & Logistics, the lights were the vision of the Cathedral’s rector almost five years ago. COVID-19 slowed down the plans, and the first half of the lights arrived in April, allowing the cathedral to be partially aglow in red for Good Friday and white and gold for Easter Sunday.

All lights are now installed, and the cathedral will be lit up every night in purple during the first, 

second and fourth weeks of Advent and pink during the third week. The plan is to continue to illuminate the cathedral according to the liturgical season.

The response from the community has already been positive. Curious locals come to the      

 plaza to ask about the meaning of the lights. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share the faith and the big joy for me out of all of it,” Thibodeaux said. “It’s a wonderful evangelical opportunity.”

 Cathedral of Christ the Light, lit for Advent season and beyond.

The cathedral is bathed in light from dusk to dawn, along with the trees and planters on the cathedral plaza.

Images courtesy of Cathedral of Christ the Light