Take a look inside the Raleigh cathedral's construction
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The Catholic Diocese of Raleigh gave ABC11 a first look inside the construction of their new cathedral.
With Romanesque style archways and a barrel vault standing tall at 74 ft in height, the inside of the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral is starting to take shape.
The cathedral seats 2,000 people and celebrates North Carolina, the growth of the Diocese of Raleigh, and the 54 counties it serves.
"This is the mother church," Bishop Michael Francis Burbidge said. "It belongs to every single parishioner whether it's in the Outer Banks, whether it's in Durham."
Bishop Burbidge worked for about four years to fund raise and get plans for the cathedral approved by the city, but will be transferred to the diocese of Arlington, Virginia before its completion.
Although Burbidge won't be here to see construction through, he says he can't wait to walk down the aisle on the day of its inaugural mass.
"I can't even imagine what that day is going to be like but I think it's going to be one of the most joyful days in my life," he said.
The bishop said Catholic diocese around the country are happy to hear about this cathedral as a sign of growth in the faith.
"The fact that the Diocese of Raleigh needs this cathedral is a powerful sign of hope," he said.
Construction is still far from over. The dedication mass is slated for July 26, 2017.
