St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
It has been a minute since I took the time to publish anything on Blue Ribbon Team. It took a real thing of beauty to open the gates for me. Even for someone as unapologetic in my lack of faith as I am… one has to admire the magnificence of the beauty that faith has inspired through this Cathedral.
I will start you off with a panoramic 360 degree view.
I am sure you can ascertain from that image that trying to really capture this place with a camera is a futile effort to say the least. The other thing you can tell from the image is that you could spend several full days just giving the stained glass window art a proper viewing. Let alone the many mosaic tile works, sculpture, architecture, or trim of the place. The long and short of this piece is not only the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption worth stopping in to see if you are in Covington, Kentucky… if you like art and architecture (especially of a religious nature) it is worth a side quest to go have a look at.
Alcove to the north side of the altar at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky.
And below you will find 4 of the side altars around the church.
And here are the main side views of the stained glass windows.
Below is an example of some of the wood carvings, the crypt and sarcophagus of Bishop Callimus Maes (more on him below), and another example of the intricate trim in the church.
Finally here is another panorama shot of the full interior.
My one regret of this visit is that I did not keep taking panoramas of the church until I could make a 3D tour of it. Next time I am down that way I will be sure to stop in.
Here is the info the robot gave me on the Bishop who permanently resides in the alcove:
The priest who is most closely associated with the construction of the St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Kentucky, is Bishop Camillus Paul Maes. His vision, leadership, and dedication were central to the building of this magnificent structure, which remains one of the most important architectural and religious landmarks in the region.
Bishop Camillus Paul Maes
Bishop Maes was born in Belgium in 1846 and was appointed the third Bishop of the Diocese of Covington in 1885. His European background, particularly his familiarity with the great cathedrals of France and Belgium, had a profound influence on his vision for the new cathedral in Covington.
Work and Vision for the Cathedral:
- Inspiration from French Gothic Architecture: Bishop Maes wanted the cathedral to reflect the grandeur of the European cathedrals he admired, particularly the Gothic style, which he believed would inspire faith and reflect the glory of God. His dream was for Covington to have a cathedral that could stand on par with the famous European churches, and he specifically modeled much of the design after the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
- Commissioning the Design: To bring his vision to life, Bishop Maes commissioned architect Leon Coquard, a French-born designer who had trained in Europe. Coquard’s plans followed Bishop Maes’ desire for a grand Gothic structure with features like flying buttresses, vaulted ceilings, and large stained-glass windows.
- Fundraising and Construction: Building such a cathedral was an ambitious project for a relatively small diocese, but Bishop Maes worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds. He solicited donations from the Catholic community and beyond, rallying the faithful around the idea of creating a cathedral that would be a symbol of their faith and a beacon of beauty in the region. Groundbreaking for the cathedral took place in 1894, and it was consecrated in 1901, though construction continued on some parts for years after.
- Dedication to the Diocese: Bishop Maes was deeply committed to the spiritual and social well-being of his diocese. During his tenure, he expanded the reach of the Catholic Church in northern Kentucky by establishing schools, churches, and charitable institutions. His vision for St. Mary’s was not just architectural; he saw it as a spiritual home for generations to come.
- Final Resting Place: Bishop Maes passed away in 1915, the same year the cathedral was completed, fulfilling his lifelong dream. As a tribute to his monumental efforts in building the cathedral, he was buried in a crypt beneath the high altar of St. Mary’s Basilica. His remains rest there to this day, a fitting honor for a man whose faith and leadership gave life to one of the most beautiful churches in the United States.
Legacy:
Bishop Maes left an indelible mark on the Diocese of Covington and on the city itself. St. Mary’s Basilica remains not only a religious center but also a cultural and architectural gem, thanks in large part to his vision and determination. His legacy continues to inspire those who visit the basilica, and his work has cemented his place in the history of the Catholic Church in the United States.
Through Bishop Maes’ efforts, the cathedral stands as a symbol of both the faith of the local Catholic community and the rich heritage of European-inspired religious architecture in America.
The Negatives
Really the only negative that comes from this experience (opinions of the Catholic Church notwithstanding) is wishing that people always wanted to use their skills and resources to make beauty like this.
The Details
If you want to check this out, you can find it at
Address: St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
1140 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
Hours:
- Cathedral Hours for Visitors:
- Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Mass Times:
- Sunday Mass: 10:00 AM
- Daily Mass (Monday–Friday): 12:05 PM
Note: These hours can occasionally change due to special events, holidays, or religious observances. It’s always a good idea to check the cathedral’s official website or call ahead before planning your visit.