Video shows Corpus Christi Cathedral renovations unveiled in June 2026
Marc Cervantes, chancellor of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, explains how the Corpus Christi Cathedral was renovated and restored.
- Corpus Christi Cathedral has completed its year-long renovation project.
- A celebratory mass and procession will be held on June 5 to mark the reopening.
- Renovations include a new apse, altar, baptismal font, and accessibility improvements.
Renovations at the Corpus Christi Cathedral were complete in time for the Diocese of Corpus Christi to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 4.
Renovation work at the cathedral has been ongoing for more than a year. Because of this, several significant events for area Catholics, including the installment of Bishop Mario Avilés and the funeral of Bishop Emeritus René Gracida, were held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church.
But now, Corpus Christi Cathedral in uptown Corpus Christi is once again the heart of the diocese.
Avilés will celebrate Mass and the consecration of a new cathedral altar starting at 6 p.m. June 4. Doors open at 5 p.m. A special procession will follow, from the cathedral courtyard through downtown and back to the cathedral for a blessing of the tabernacle. A light reception will follow in the courtyard.
The Mass and procession will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Corpus Christi Facebook page, YouTube channel and the CCCN app.
Here’s what elements have changed inside the cathedral:
- New bronze reliefs on the front exterior doors depicting moments in the life of Jesus.
- A new stained glass door in the narthex.
- A hand-tiled baptismal font.
- A golden mosaic in the apse with new stained glass windows and a crucifix featuring Jesus facing upward.
- A hand-tiled ambo, or altar of the word.
- A new cathedra, or bishop’s chair.
- A new hand-tiled altar, where the cathedral’s three relics will be placed inside.
- Relocation of the tabernacle to the front of the sanctuary.
- Updates to the chapel, now honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.
- Two alcoves dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the saints, including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Katharine Drexel, St. John Vianney, St. John Paul II, St. Juan Diego, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, St. José Sánchez del Río, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Juan Diego, St. Carlo Acutis, St. Pope Paul VI, Servant of God Chiara Lubich and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, depicted in a mural.
- Accessibility improvements.
The exterior of the cathedral will remain familiar.
Other elements retained from before the renovation include statues, stained glass, murals in the apse, green marble, columns, light fixtures and the ceiling design.
The cathedral originated as St. Patrick’s Parish, established in 1853 as the city’s first Catholic church.
Olivia Garrett covers education and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact her at [email protected].
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