Whether you live in San Antonio or are just visiting, this is one place (besides the Alamo) you should put on your "must see" list.
San Fernando Cathedral was founded on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who emigrated from the Canary Islands at the request, or invitation, of King Phillip V of Spain. They came soon after the founding of the missions. The mission chapels were being used to educate the Indian population. San Fernando was constructed as the parish home of the Canary Islanders since their homes were located near this spot. The cornerstone was laid in 1738 and the building was not open for worship until 1749. The first communion class was confirmed by the Bishop of Guadalajara in 1758.
From the beginning the church has been the geographical center of San Antonio. There is a white marble circle inscribed with a cross on the floor behind the main altar which measures all distances from San Antonio. The cathedral is located on the west side of Main Plaza (La Plaza de las Islas) and is America's oldest continuous parish.
The name, San Fernando, honors Saint Ferdinand, or Ferdinand III, King of Castile, who died in 1252 and was canonized in 1671. An old statue of the saint is on display inside the cathedral. The building is constructed of white stone with a beautiful rose window over the main front door. The cathedral has been remodeled and renovated through the years. The original church was smaller with one tower located on the north side which was used both as a bell tower and as a lookout when needed. The appearance of the facade was changed when the second tower was added in 1890.
In 1868, a French architect and engineer, Francois Giraud, influenced by the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, developed a French Gothic Revival style within the building. The soaring ceilings are modeled after those in European Gothic churches. The work was completed in 1873. During one of the renovations stained glass windows were added. These beautiful, exquisite windows can only be seen from inside the cathedral. They are covered on the outside for reasons of protection.
Many interesting events have taken place here: James Bowie married Ursula de Vermendi on april 25, 1831; Mexican General Lopez Antonio de Santa Anna's troops camped outside on the cathedral grounds and raised their flag on top of the bell tower; Pope John Paul said a mass here during his visit in 1987. Every year on March 9 a solemn requiem is held to honor the memory of the Canary Island founders. Inside the cathedral near the main entrance is a white marble crypt where the ashes of the Alamo heroes are laid to rest. Some historians argue that it seems unlikely that non-Catholics, as many of the Alamo defenders were, would have been laid to rest in a Catholic Church. However, I don't know of any Protestant churches that were in existence in the area at that time.
The San Fernando Cathedral continues to celebrate the most important feast days in the Latin American calendar, including el Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead), the Posada, or pilgrimage of the Holy Family in search of an inn, Diez y Seis, the feast of San Antonio de Padua, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every Good Friday before Easter a passion play, a beautiful, moving re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ, is staged in front of the cathedral, and attended by 25,000 people. And a beautiful Midnight Mass is held every Christmas Eve. Thousands still attend weekend Masses at the cathedral each week and there are hundreds of baptisms, weddings, funeral and other services performed each year. Special events such as symphonies, concerts, and even television specials are held in the cathedral. Masses are held daily and doors are open for people to pray, light a candle, or visit.
San Fernando Cathedral is located at 115 Main Plaza, between East Commerce and Dolorosa, just between the River Walk and Market Square areas.
All are welcome.
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