Hundreds of Catholics Pray at Crystal Cathedral

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 11, 2012

For the first time since purchasing the Crystal Cathedral, Roman Catholics held an event, or more specifically a prayer breakfast, at the Southern California glass building on Wednesday.

The Orange County Catholic Prayer Breakfast drew more than 1,200 Catholics, the largest crowd in the event's history, according to The Orange County Register.

"This is an example of what future events and gatherings can be like – the space, the spirit, the message," said Father Christopher Smith, who is overseeing all administrative and policy matters for Christ Cathedral, as reported by the local publication.

Christ Cathedral is the new name of the Garden Grove, Calif., church property, formerly led by the Rev. Robert H. Schuller.

The property was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange this year after Crystal Cathedral Ministries filed for bankruptcy in October 2010. The Protestant ministry is currently still occupying the property as it was given three years to find a new place.

Schuller and his wife left the ministry following disputes over intellectual property. Schuller's daughter, Sheila Schuller Coleman, also left to start her own church.

Crystal Cathedral Ministries is currently being led by John Charles.

A group of international Catholic leaders visited the property in August and believe it could become a significant Catholic cultural center. The diocese will begin renovations next year and plans to officially move in in 2015.