![The Christ Cathedral. Photo by Arnold C (Buchanan-Hermit) (Own work) [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/mynewsla-newspack.newspackstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1280px-Crys-ext.jpg?ssl=1)
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County was given $20 million that will be used to renovate and enhance Christ Cathedral, the former Crystal Cathedral the Diocese bought through bankruptcy court two years ago.
An anonymous donor pledged the money over multiple years, according to Diocese of Orange officials. The donor was inspired by the Catholic church’s ecumenical outreach.
“I am blessed to offer my faithful and financial support to the diocese’s efforts to restore and renovate the campus and make its vision for the Christ Cathedral a reality,” the donor said in a statement issued by the Diocese. “I hope this gift will inspire other donors in our community to give as well.”
Diocese of Orange Bishop Kevin Vann said the gift would help make Christ Cathedral a place of worship that welcomes people of all faiths.
“In acquiring and developing Christ Cathedral and its campus we have worked to create not only a needed center for our Church, but a true center of unity for our diverse and often disparate community here in Orange County,” Vann said. “This needed gift will support this vision and assist in creating a place of welcome where all can celebrate, learn and know that they are loved by God.”
The money will be used exclusively for the cathedral’s renovation, officials said. It comes just as more than 24,000 parishioners and donors have pledged about $85 million over the past two years for a capital campaign.
— City News Service