Thanks to a hospitable maintenance man who heard a knock on the church door, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Vocation Team stopped for a memorable Year of Faith Pilgrimage at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Toledo, OH. The keeper of the keys not only opened the door, but proudly placed a high gloss booklet in our hands highlighting the beauty of this sacred place’s design elements and its history. As he resumed cleaning, our eyes were drawn in all directions to the wonder of this place of God.
As Franciscans, we couldn’t help but be moved by the 250 year old bleached black forest oak crucifix which is suspended above the altar, the magnificent tabernacle in the shape of a tower from Toledo, Spain found in a quiet side chapel and the arches, piers and decorated ceilings filled with images of God.
Above the balcony is an exquisite jeweled rose window that depicts the episodes of Mary’s life. It was sweet to find out that it was named for the diocese’s children whose pennies paid for the window.
Some of the world’s most accomplished artists from Vienna, Austria to Toledo, OH, are represented in this cathedral constructed in 16 years. While the Diocese of Toledo was established in 1910, the groundbreaking for house of God was in 1925. On October 1, 1940, Bishop Karl J. Alter dedicated Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral. Later in 1979, another Bishop, Bishop John A. Donovan oversaw a major renovation dedicating the relocated altar.
Needless to say, you will want to click here for your own virtual tour and allow some time on your next visit to this part of the country for a walk-in, prayerful visit. We’re sure someone will open the door!
