Cathedral of Sacred Heart, Gallup, NM

One of the sites in Gallup that Cathy suggested we shouldn't miss was the cathedral. She wasn't sure where it was except that it was "on the top of the hill." We tried GPS but to no avail so Lee just started driving uphill and sure enough, we soon spotted the spire. It is not an impressive cathedral but it is beautiful nonetheless.

We found the front doors unlocked which is becoming a rarity these days even for a church. However, we met Father Matthew Keller while roaming around inside and taking pictures and he said they were preparing for a rosary. We didn't realize until a little later that the rosary was for a funeral.
 

Sacred Heart Cathedral

The Sanctuary

The Main Altar

Mother Theresa

Father Keller said he was new to the post having arrived June 1 of this year so he didn't know all the history of the cathedral but he was familiar with the beautiful stained glass windows. He even provided us a booklet listing details about every window in the cathedral.

The original Sacred Heart Cathedral parish church was built in the early 1900’s by Father Julliard. He remained pastor until 1910. In 1916 a side wall of the original church caved in so in 1917 a new church was build facing Hill Street between 4th and 5th Streets. This church served the parish until the present Cathedral was built in 1955 at 415 East Green Avenue. The Franciscan Friars served the parishioners of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish through June 1981. The first diocesan rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral was Father Alfred Tachias appointed on July 1, 1981.

The three windows in the balcony: The Sacred Heart is the middle window and it is flanked by two windows. On the left is the representation of white and black races and on the left is the representation of Native American and Asians. Together the three make up "1 fold and 1 Shepherd".

1 Fold and 1 Shephard

The Sacred Heart

Father Anselm Weber OFM

In this window titled Missionary to the Navajos, Father Anselm is shown at the famous meeting with the Indian Chiefs.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus

The window of St. Therese is next to the bell-tower staircase.  She was chosen for a window because she is the patroness of the missions of the world.

Side Altar to Saint Katharine Drexel

Side Altar to the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Nativity

The Presentation in the Temple

Jesus Blessing the Children

The Feast of Cana

The circular windows in the lower Nave depicts six of the seven Sacraments.  The Holy Eucharist is in another part of the church.