Renovating the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption at 327 Spring St. has reached new heights. The historic church and parish that for over a century has served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River has already seen $600,000 in repairs over the last five years.

 

Now, scaffolding is creeping up the four-storied bell tower where the latest renovations are underway.

 

Deacon Tom Palanza, whose service to the parish is twofold in his capacity as the project's principal, said the latest repairs center around two main objectives: shutting out the wind and water to mitigate further damage meanwhile maintaining parishioners’ safety. 

 

“We knew it was going to take time,” Palanza said.

 

The pace of repairs is dictated largely by the groundswell of support with each Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala, an event that celebrates “all things positive for everyone in the Diocese,” said Carl Sawejko, who co-chairs the Lumen Christi committee. Galas of years past have raised support that has helped restore the historic cathedral that harbors diocesan liturgies and is the seat and “spiritual home” of Bishop Edgar da Cunha.

 

Read more at heraldnews.com.