Welcome to Trinity Cathedral

In the middle of Trinity Commons, our newly redeveloped campus, there are two piazzas connecting three late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century buildings with the great gothic cathedral. The outside piazza faces the main street of Cleveland. It functions as an outdoor dining area for our cafe and as sacred public space in the midst of a bustling, urban university neighborhood. The indoor piazza is a large circular building complete with fountains, symbolizing the river of life, the waters of faith, and the various bodies of water that flow through our city and region.

The piazza design was influenced by the teachings of St. Angela de Merici (1474-1540), a third-order Franciscan and founder of the Ursulines, a religious community of women. In her writings, St. Angela, a native of Northern Italy, instructed her sisters to "be like a piazza." She told them to be open, gracious, hospitable, and engaged in the world--to stand with Christ at the crossroads of life.

Being steadfast like an ancient olive grove and hospitable like a piazza were the centerpieces of St. Angela's spirituality. And that was and remains our hope for Trinity Commons. We have constructed and are continuing to create a piazza to express the unity, integrity, and community of God, the city, the church, and the rest of creation.

Trinity Commons is becoming everything we hoped it would be. University students and faculty are crossing the street for the first time in decades; people are gathering to work on peace, justice and environmental issues; artists are creating in the light and shadows of the great cathedral; and seekers are discovering this sacred public space. When I walk in the cafe, I frequently see people reading our cathedral newsletter as they drink a cup of coffee. When I go in the cathedral, I often watch pilgrims silently walking the ancient way of the labyrinth. When I wander into the bookstore, I see children and adults of all ages and backgrounds browsing the shelves filled with books about religion and spirituality. When I enter the Ten Thousand Villages gift shop, I hear conversations about fair trade. When I gaze into the gallery I see exhibits that explore the intersection between art, religion, and daily life. In a short time, Trinity Commons has become a place of culture, charity, commerce, conversation, and collaboration--a commons for making connections and a holy place to worship, celebrate, create, and hang out.

—from "The Demolition Contractor," Interrupted by God: Glimpses from the Edge, by Tracey Lind, The Pilgrim Press, 2004

Get to Know Us!

We hope you will take some time to explore our Web site and learn about the many opportunities to participate in the life of the Cathedral. You are also invited to complete our online visitor form. A member of the Clergy, or our congregation, will contact you.