Historic Catholic cathedral to hold bicentennial gala Oct. 6

The Roman Catholic Cathedral of Saint Peter, in the historic Quaker Hill section of the City of Wilmington, will celebrate its 200th anniversary with a gala in the Gold Ballroom at the Hotel duPont Thursday, Oct 6. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, followed by dinner and guest speaker, Geoffrey Gamble, Esq. K.M. Dancing will begin at 8:30 p.m. featuring Sean "Sinatra" Reilly and The Sounds of Sinatra Trio. The gala is the culmination of the cathedral's bicentennial celebration that began with a special Mass in April.

"We invite all former rectors, past parishioners, families and friends to enjoy this gala evening with Bishop Malooly and the entire Cathedral community," said the Rev. Leonard R. Klein, cathedral administrator. "This is not only a celebration for parishioners of the cathedral, but for all Catholics in Delaware and on Maryland's Eastern Shore."

For 200 years, Saint Peter's has stood at the corner of Sixth and West streets in Wilmington. In 1868, when the Diocese of Wilmington was formed by Pope Pius IX, Saint Peter's became the diocesan cathedral and the center of Catholic life and culture for the faithful in Delaware and on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The term "cathedral" is in reference to the chair or cathedra of the Diocesan Bishop that is located in the cathedral sanctuary. The diocesan bishop is officially the pastor of a cathedral, while rectors or administrators conduct day-to-day parish ministry.

For more information for those interested in individual or group tickets, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, contact Jean Manning at 302-654-5920 or cathedralstp@comcast.net or go to www.cathedralofstpeter.com.