Joining celebration at Catholic cathedral
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President Thomas S. Monson joined hundreds of people Aug. 9 in a civic service commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the Catholic Church's most stately edifice in Utah.
In opening remarks the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of the Catholic Church's Salt Lake City Diocese, welcomed President Monson and his counselors in the First Presidency: President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve.
The Brethren were accompanied at the Sunday evening ceremony by their wives: Sister Frances J. Monson, Sister Kathleen J. Eyring, Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf and Sister Mary G. Cook.
In acknowledging the presence of the LDS leaders, Bishop Wester spoke of the great working relationship shared by Latter-day Saints and Catholics in Utah. He said that the centennial celebration was to note not only the pioneer founders of the Catholic community in Utah but also the support the Catholic Church has received from the greater Utah community in "working with us to care for the poor and sick, assist the immigrants, educate and inform our young people and enable the enriching and civic work of the arts and humanities."
President Monson expressed pleasure in being present to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral of the Madeleine and its involvement in, and outreach to, the community.
The cathedral is located just a few blocks east of Temple Square.
"Since its dedication on Aug. 15, 1909, this magnificent structure has been a vital and integral part of Salt Lake City," President Monson said.
"Beginning with the death of LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith on November 19, 1918, and continuing through the passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley 18 months ago, the bells of the Cathedral have tolled in tribute to these LDS Church Presidents — a demonstration of the ecumenical brotherhood which has existed between our churches."
President Monson spoke of occasions on which the two churches joined together to serve people in need. "When a spirit of goodwill prompts our thinking, and when united effort goes to work on a common problem, the results can be most gratifying," President Monson said.
He spoke of the warm association he has had with Catholic leaders in the Salt Lake community, and then added, "Enduring are the friendships forged in serving together to meet the needs of others."
President Monson said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to furnish food, funds and volunteers to assist the Catholic Church in efforts to feed the hungry and to provide in other ways for the needy.
"When we have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that know and feel, we will recognize current needs of our fellow beings among us who cry out for help," President Monson declared.
"Over the years and throughout the world, Catholic Charities has helped the LDS Church distribute 11.2 million dollars in humanitarian aid. This agency has helped to ensure that our contributions reach those truly in need.
"Opportunities to assist others are still very much at hand. Our churches, with a tradition of kindness and caring and cooperative effort, will meet the needs by all of us working together in such a noble cause. By doing so, we will eliminate the weakness of one standing alone and substitute, instead, the strength of many working together."
Joining President Monson in addressing the celebratory gathering were Michael K. Young, president of the University of Utah; Peter Corroon, mayor of Salt Lake County; and Ignacio Rios Navarro, consul of Mexico assigned to Utah.
President Young, who is LDS, spoke of the Cathedral as a landmark reminder of the legacy of service, dedication and cultural refinement exemplified by Catholics in the community. He outlined some of the educational contributions stemming from the Catholic Church in Utah, including 11 educational institutions and Holy Cross Hospital.
Mayor Corroon said that he and his wife, Amy, were married in the Cathedral of the Madeleine and that, as a young man, he spent a lot of time serving sandwiches in the nearby soup kitchen. He said, that as a bachelor, he had some of his best meals there — bologna sandwiches. The Corroon children, he said, attend the Madeleine Choir School. He expressed confidence that the cathedral will continue to be an important religious, educational, social, cultural and community asset.
Mr. Navarro spoke of contributions made by Mexican workers who came to Utah during and right after the time the cathedral was built. There are more than 250,000 Hispanics living in Utah today, he said, 70 percent from Mexico.
