Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King

Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic church in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. The Cathedral was consecrated on December 19, 1933. It is the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, and the cathedral of the Diocese of Hamilton. The cathedral contains the cathedra (bishop's chair) of bishop the most Rev. Douglas Crosby D.D. OMI. The cathedral was raised to the status of a minor basilica on February 2013 by Pope Benedict XVI.On the south side of the bell tower, is the cornerstone blessed by Bishop McNally, builder of the Cathedral and fifth bishop of the diocese. It is a stone excavated from the Roman Catacombs to symbolize the cathedral's unity with the ancient Christian church, the first generation after Christ.Cathedral activitiesChrist the King Cathedral Masses are usually presided over by the parish rector, but occasionally, one of the bishops or guest priests will preside. The Cathedral is located atop a hill facing south. The South "King St." doors open up to a massive fine stone staircase leading down into the front parking lot. The pure gothic belltower containing a carillon of 23 bells, is 165 feet high and visible from a great distance. The largest bell called the Bourdon Bell, weighs 4½ tons and was donated by Prime Minister of Canada, R. Bennett, a friend of Bishop McNally's. At night, the Cathedral is illuminated by flood lights and creates an imposing sight, especially from the Hamilton escarpment.