Oakland, California, United States
When two texts, or two assertions, or perhaps, two ideas are in contradiction, be ready to reconcile them rather than cancel one by the other . . .
—Marguerite Yourcenar (1903–1987), French author
The Christ the Light Cathedral replaced the Cathedral of Saint Francis de Sales in Oakland, destroyed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The cathedral’s ultramodern look is nothing short of astonishing—the wood, glass, and steel structure resembles a bishop’s miter; the worship space is shaped like a vesica piscis (womb shape); and walls of wood louvers and glass flood the sanctuary with natural light.
If you want to find a place of hope and renewal to fill a void left by a devastating loss, visit the Cathedral of Christ the Light, located at 2121 Harrison Street and Grand Avenue, across from Lake Merritt. The nearest airport is Oakland International. To get to the cathedral, take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), as the Nineteenth Street station is six blocks from the church. If you drive, several nearby parking garages are available.
Sit in the cathedral on a bright day to feel wrapped in a cocoon of loving, protective light while praying about your loss. Talk to a priest or spiritual adviser about relief, renewal, and regeneration.
The cathedral complex includes a public plaza and garden, the chancery offices including those of the Bishop’s Curia, a conference center, a café and shop, a mausoleum with crypts, and a clinic.