For this purpose, the Parish purchased the La Concha Turkish bath house, demolished it and built the cathedral's sanctuary.

For the dedication, Pope Leo XIII gave Bishop Ludden a brick taken from the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The Cathedral features the Shrine of the Blessed Mother having a statue sculpted by LeMoyne College Professor Jacqueline Belfort-Chalat.

In 2013, in the area of the Sacred Heart Altar, a mosaic was installed depicting Saint Marianne Cope surrounded by her leper patients in Hawaii.

The cathedral hosts local musicals and concerts performed by both area high schools, colleges, and professional groups.