Restoration Projects
The Cathedral Basilica Foundation is an active custodian of The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and the Basilica Block campus. This stewardship entails significant conservation and restoration work to ensure these spaces remain accessible to the public while preserving their architectural, communal, and spiritual significance. Among the Foundation’s most notable projects is the restoration of the over 60 stained-glass windows that define the Cathedral’s structure.
The stained-glass windows are among the most prominent features of the Cathedral Basilica, functioning both as integral structural elements and as powerful expressions of culture and community. Each window represents an act of religious devotion and memorialization, funded by community members in memory of loved ones. The windows serve not only as striking works of art, but also as deeply personal points of connection between the Cathedral and the people it serves.
The CBFNL recognizes the stained-glass windows as central to the story of the Cathedral Basilica and the people of St. John’s. The meaning embedded in these works continues to guide the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to conserve and care for the windows. Through this sustained work, the Foundation safeguards these treasured community artifacts for future generations.
Interpretation & Innovation
The story of the Cathedral Basilica is as old as the building itself, shaped by the generations who have engaged with the space and formed their own connections to it. Each generation adds to the history and meaning of the Cathedral Basilica and the broader story of the structure. The interpretation of this evolving story is the ongoing responsibility of The Cathedral Basilica Foundation. Over the years, this has taken on many different forms: from Bishop Fleming’s initial dreams of a striking cathedral overlooking St. John’s to deeply personal family histories, and today’s guided tours offered each summer.
Today, the interpretation of the Cathedral Basilica and the Basilica Block is carried out through public programming, collection stewardship, and the coordination of tours given by summer student guides. The students, in particular, play an important role in fulfilling the Foundation’s responsibility for interpretation. Through their work, they engage directly with the history of Basilica Block by guiding visitors through its rich stories and conducting work in the archives. In doing so, they become a part of the ever-evolving history of the Cathedral Basilica.
Host an Event
The Cathedral Basilica and the Palace Commons are available for concerts, lectures, workshops, and recordings. We welcome collaborations with local artists, educators, and organizations seeking an inspiring venue.