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December 22, 2007.  Exactly one hundred years ago today, Bishop Edward J. O'Dea dedicated St. James Cathedral.  Archbishop Brunett presides at this evening celebration marking this historic milestone and the conclusion of our three-year centennial observance.  Click here to download an audio file of Archbishop Brunett's homily. The Mass concludes with the lighting of candles. Each member of the assembly receives a candle lit from one of the Cathedral's twelve dedication candles, lit for the first time at the cathedral's rededication, December 22, 1994. After Mass, the procession leads us to the Archbishop Murphy Courtyard, where Archbishop Brunett blesses our new "cornerstone." Father Ryan reads aloud the inscription on the stone, which for eighty-seven years formed the "mensa" or altar table of the cathedral. After Mass, all were invited to gather in the Cathedral rectory for hot apple cider, cookies, and a chance to view an amazing gingerbread cathedral created by Frank Roach in honor of our centennial. The celebration continues on Sunday, December 23.  At all Masses this weekend, the cathedral's dedication candles are lit. During the children's liturgy of the word at the Noon Mass, children light special souvenir candles in honor of the cathedral's 100th birthday. At 10:00am and Noon Masses, the gifts are presented by some of the many young people who were baptized by Father Ryan in the Cathedral and who have grown up in the Cathedral parish. After the 10:00am Mass, we process out to the courtyard.  Joseph Adam, Cathedral Organist, plays Widor's "Marche Pontificale," which Dr. F. S. Palmer, the Cathedral's first music director, played as the processional at the Mass of Dedication, December 22, 1907.  Click here to listen. A little rain couldn't keep these hardy Seattleites from celebrating this historic moment. And in Cathedral Hall, Centennial freebies of all kinds! Thanks to all who made this celebration possible.  May we all, together, continue the work of building a GREAT CATHEDRAL! Click here to explore the many events of our three-year centennial observance.