About Cathedral of St. Peter
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Welcome to the Cathedral of St. Peter, the heart of the Church in the heart of the city!
Every Catholic church holds a special place in the hearts of believers. We go to our parish churches to encounter Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, both at Mass and in the tabernacle.
We bring our babies there to have them brought into the family of God, and we bring our deceased loved ones there to pray for them on their journey home. Couples exchange and renew wedding vows in their parish church. The repentant sinner finds the consolation of the sacrament of Reconciliation. In their parish church, people find the support and nourishment that can only be given by other members of the Body of Christ.
A cathedral is all of that -- and more! The word "cathedral"comes from the Latin word "cathedra" which is the name given to the bishop's chair, the seat from which he presides at liturgical functions. While the bishop celebrates the sacraments in many parishes as he visits Catholics throughout the diocese, the cathedra symbolizes the seat of his authority and makes the cathedral, in a special way, the bishop's own church. Because he must be concerned with the needs and administration of the entire diocese, the bishop appoints a priest to serve the needs of the cathedral in his place.
That priest is called the "rector," and I have had the distinct honor of serving as the sixteenth rector of this cathedral since 1 January 2006.
In addition, a cathedral serves as the center of Catholic life and culture in its diocese, providing opportunities for worship and prayer, sacred music, outreach and nourishment for the Catholic intellect not only for its arishioners but for all members of the diocese.
The Cathedral of St. Peter was founded in 1816. It has seen many changes in the city of Wilmington and in the life of the Diocese of Wilmington in the years since. Situated in the historic neighborhood known as "Quaker Hill," its shining spire has served as a beacon of hope for countless souls over the course of almost two hundred years. The first non-sacramental religious ministry in the diocese consisted of an orphanage, an academy for girls and a parochial school, all conducted by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's Daughters of Charity at St. Peter's. Abolitionist Thomas Garrett's "Underground Railroad," mere steps from the church's door, provided the last stop on the way to freedom for fugitive slaves.
The Cathedral Church encompasses a history and a beauty rarely found anywhere, and I invite you to come and experience it for yourself. Of course, tours are available for groups, but the best way to encounter the spirit of the Cathedral is to encounter the Spirit of Jesus Christ present here by worshipping with us. No matter what parish you call your own, you are always most welcome to join us for Mass as well as for the other sacraments and events at the Cathedral of St. Peter.
Please take me up on that invitation. Come visit the spiritual home of the Diocese of Wilmington. Come to the Cathedral.
May God bless you, now and always!
Rev. Joseph MPR Cocucci
Sixteenth Rector of the Cathedral
