St. Vibiana’s Cathedral

As a native Angeleno, ardent preservationist and long-time member and volunteer for the Los Angeles Conservancy, a small piece of my heart is torn out every time I see part of our city’s heritage torn down.

In the case of beautiful old St. Vibiana’s, however, it is with sadness that I realize that if it cannot be worked into the plans for the new cathedral center, it must go (Jan. 7).

Ever since my grandmother first took me as a child to St. Vibiana’s for a visit, I have loved the stately landmark and its steadfast witness to our faith and heritage amid the squalor of homelessness and despair. But there are many occasions I have been unable to join in celebrations there because the cathedral is too small. By staying at the current site of 2nd and Main, the new cathedral will help keep the Central City alive.

ERIC STOLTZ, Los Angeles

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Cardinal Roger Mahony may have correctly concluded that repair and retrofit of St. Vibiana’s Cathedral isn’t economical. However, spending $45 million to build a new one makes no sense when the archdiocese already has a suitable facility in St. Vincent’s Church, at Figueroa and Adams.

Designed by Albert Martin in the ‘20s, St. Vincent’s just looks like it ought to be the L.A. Cathedral. It has a fine mix of Mexican, Spanish and Northern European architectural elements, which reflect the cultures of the area. It is large enough, better located, and can pass for a “world-class” building.

BOB CLARK JR., Los Angeles

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Why spend all that money on a new cathedral when we have St. Basil’s in the mid-Wilshire district that seems to qualify in all respects?

ETHEL BARKER, Santa Monica