2025-05-02-eEdition

PAGE 8 THE CATHOLICWEEK I MAY 2, 2025 Prᴀy fᴏr Vᴏᴄᴀᴛiᴏns ByThe CatholicWeek Engineers have advised the Archdio- cese of Mobile that the west end of the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is unsafe due to extensive termite damage. However, engineers in- formed the archdiocese that the remain- ing sections of Cathedral are safe to use. There is no timetable as to when the west side of the Cathedral may be used again. The Archdiocese of Mobile has been in ongoing arbitration with a major termite control company regarding damage to the Cathedral. Construction of the Cathedral- Basilica of the Immaculate Conception began in 1835 and the church was con- secrated by Bishop Michael Portier — the first bishop of Mobile — in 1850. The west end of the Cathedral stands parallel to Franklin Street, between Dauphin and Conti streets in down- town Mobile.The west end includes the sacristies – where priests prepare for Mass and items used in worship are kept. Items kept in the sacristies will be relocated as a precaution. Those entering the Cathedral must enter from the east side of the church off Claiborne Street. File photo by Rob Herbst/The Catholic Week The Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Mobile was conse- crated in 1850. CATHEDRAL-BASILICA OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION West side of Cathedral closed because of extensive termite damage