A Walk With An Angel           

A lush garden hides behind the magnificent structure. Though right beside the Hollywood Freeway, personal reflection and meditation shuts you from the traffic noise that echoes throughout the courtyard. Solemn peace overwhelms.

With its facade, the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Angels in downtown Los Angeles can easily be mistaken as a contemporary museum. Not a tinge of influence from the traditional European designs of the Middle Ages, its ‘moderness’ is a celebration of the new church and even more. It is an artistic expression of ethnic diversity of the Catholics in the city, an articulation of the ideals of people coming from different cultural backgrounds.

With that in mind, master design architect, Professor Jose Rafael Moneo designed a new and vibrant expression of the 21st century Catholic people of Los Angeles. But there’s more to the artistic implications of this glorious landmark. Its architectural features represent the growth of Catholicism over the years and the interior details speak so much of our history as a church. 

For instance, two underlying theological truths inspired Moneo’s grand design: God’s light revealed through the living Christ and our evolving relationship with the Almighty. Therefore, Moneo manifested God’s presence with natural light that floods the entire Cathedral. Streaming through Spanish alabaster mosaics, this powerful natural light emphasizes the purity and beauty of His creation. And as our pilgrimage continuous, the Cathedral’s interior captures the principle of a spiritual journey, designed to evoke many emotional and spiritual responses.

As soon as we enter the spacious ambulatory (that actually circles the interior) it urges us to move forward. Heightening our day-to-day journey, Shrine chapels (devoted to the Blessed Mother) are located on the right side of the colonnade to provide space for personal intercessions. Like the traditional church it faces east, greeting the sunrise. But for symbolic significance worshippers enter southeast rather than entering through rear doors near the last pews.

Our initial steps then lead us to the Baptistery. Standing at this vantage point, the grandeur of the nave (it seats up to 3000) is a heavenly vision! From here, the Altar is a 300-ft walk (a dream march for every bride) on the center aisle. The heart of the Eucharistic celebration (made of Turkish marble) stands on a base with four gold-clad angels attached kneeling in mystic gaze. Cardinal Roger Mahony designed the altar himself.

The sanctuary also stands a larger-than-life bronze corpus hanging on a movable cross, the ambo (where the sacred scriptures are proclaimed) and the cathedra (Latin for chair, signifies the leadership responsibilities of the Archbishop). Prominently pinned on the right hand side of the wall is the Dobson pipe organ. Made of metal and wooden pipes, the organ is operated by a four-manual console providing music for the liturgy. Finally, on the left side of the altar, high on the wall, is a huge architectural cross. Boxed in wide panels of alabaster, the emblem is illuminated by natural light pouring into the church along the slanted crossbeam. From the outside its visibility can stretch miles away from the freeway.

Perhaps the most fascinating fixtures in the Cathedral are the cotton-and-viscose tapestries surrounding the vast nave. Depicting the Holy Communion of Saints, each of the 25 tapestries portrays a grouping of the Blessed and Holy. 133 figures from all races, all ages, all continents including eight untitled figures (representing the many anonymous holy people) surround the worshipping community, signifying oneness of all the baptized around the Eucharistic table. Yes, our very own San Lorenzo Ruiz is part of life-size wall-hang! Meanwhile draping behind the baptismal font are five similar tapestries but this time illustrating the holy Baptism of the Christ. Finally a satellite shot of downtown Los Angeles is also rendered on a drape behind the altar. 

Very much describing the culture of Los Angeles (or California or the US in general) the Cathedral is an expression of eclectic diversity. Each corner and hallway displays art pieces that celebrate the Catholic religion. Aside from the underlying stories that explain each architectural feature and interior detail, visual arts like paintings and sculptures are exhibited. The most remarkable are the stunning backlit stained-glass windows found in the mausoleum (located two floors below). Originally from the old St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, these stunning and exquisite pieces bring glow and charm in the peaceful resting grounds.

With the Cathedral majestically sitting in the heart of the city, the City of Angels is more than just the Stars and Hollywood. It literally is the home of an Angel. Ironic that she finds home amidst the frantic metropolitan. Its contemporary design may have provoked numerous questions but that is its mystery. This outstanding landmark now paints the city a new character and spirit. And its significance is of something Greater.