Faith

New crucifix for La Crosse cathedral receives blessing

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2022

Worshippers at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse sang “Lift High the Cross” on Thursday before a new life-size crucifix was lifted high above the altar as part of a major remodeling of the church.

Monsignor Richard Gilles led a blessing of the sculpture of Jesus Christ on the cross, inviting church members to touch the crucifix before it was put in place.

The $6 million renovation of the 60-year-old cathedral began about a year ago, mostly involving the replacement of large stones on the building’s exterior.

The outside improvements are expected to continue well into the spring, with scaffolding surrounding much of the cathedral’s front and spire.

FILE – Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman on Main Street in La Crosse, going through a renovation. (PHOTO: Rick Solem)

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.