Cathedral of St. Thomas More (Diocese of Arlington)
| Cathedral of Saint Thomas More | |
 | |
| Dedication: | Saint Thomas More |
| Venerated Saints: | None specified |
| Diocese: | Diocese of Arlington |
| Deanery: | Deanery 1 |
| Address: | 3901 Cathedral Lane, Arlington, VA 22203 |
| Coordinates: | 38.8092, -77.0681 |
| City: | Arlington, VA |
| Subdivision: | Virginia |
| Country: | United States |
| County: | Arlington County |
| Website: | https://www.cathedralstm.org/ |
| Founded: | 1974 |
| School: | Yes |
| Email: | info@cathedralstm.org |
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Arlington, located in Arlington, Virginia. Dedicated to Saint Thomas More, the sixteenth-century English martyr, Chancellor of England, and Doctor of the Church—canonized in 1935 and proclaimed patron of statesmen and politicians by Pope John Paul II in 2000—the cathedral serves as the mother church and principal place of worship for the diocese, encompassing 21 counties and seven independent cities in northern Virginia.
The Diocese of Arlington was erected by Pope Paul VI on May 28, 1974, with the former Sacred Heart Church designated as the pro-cathedral. The current cathedral building, designed in modern Gothic Revival style, was dedicated on October 17, 1982, by Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. As of December 20, 2025, the cathedral hosts major diocesan liturgies under Bishop Michael F. Burbidge and supports ministries including music, faith formation, and outreach.
The cathedral community reflects Saint Thomas More's legacy of fidelity to conscience and the Church amid public life.
History
The Diocese of Arlington was established by Pope Paul VI on May 28, 1974, carved from the Diocese of Richmond, with Bishop Thomas J. Welsh as its first ordinary.[1]
The former Sacred Heart Church served as pro-cathedral until the current building was dedicated on October 17, 1982.[2]
The cathedral has hosted significant events, including ordinations and diocesan celebrations, under successive bishops.
Special features
- Seat of the Bishop of Arlington and site of major diocesan liturgies
- Renowned music program with professional choir and organ
- Active ministries in faith formation, social outreach, and young adult engagement
Relics
According to established Catholic tradition, the main altar contains deposited relics, as is customary in dedicated churches. Specific details regarding the saints associated with these relics are not publicly documented in available sources. This follows common practice where first-class relics, often of martyrs, are sealed within the altar.
Architecture
The cathedral, dedicated in 1982, features modern Gothic Revival design with elements evoking traditional ecclesiastical architecture while accommodating contemporary liturgical needs.
Art and devotional features
The interior includes devotional spaces and artwork reflecting the cathedral's role as diocesan mother church.
Specific details on stained glass, statues, or other elements are limited in publicly available sources.
Related parishes
References
- ↑ "Our History". Catholic Diocese of Arlington. https://www.arlingtondiocese.org/about-the-diocese/our-history/.
- ↑ "History". Cathedral of Saint Thomas More. https://www.cathedralstm.org/history.