When Leticia and Ramon Ruiz de Luzuriaga arrived in Cincinnati from the Philippines in the 1970s, they were initially without a parish to call home.

Desiring to have their son Brian baptized, they received a warm welcome from then Father Carl Moeddel (later Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati) at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains.

The Luzuriagas now live in West Chester, but gratefully call the cathedral basilica their spiritual home. Both are actively involved in its parish life as Eucharistic ministers, and Ramon ministers as a lector, parish council member, and a docent, frequently leading tours for visitors. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary there in 2021, receiving a special blessing from then Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, along with the other couples marking a marriage milestone. And Leticia credits prayers from the cathedral faith community with helping her heal after a major surgery.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains welcomes all the faithful, whether it be for significant celebrations in the archdiocese’s life or humble service to those in need. It ministers to droves of people who come to worship and participate in the sacraments—baptisms, confirmations, marriages, ordinations, and funerals.

“The cathedral basilica is the people’s parish, the mother church of the archdiocese,” said Fr. Jan Schmidt, rector. “It belongs to everyone.”

When coming together to praise and thank God, Fr. Schmidt hopes people recognize that they also have a role in ensuring the structure, which has witnessed to the faith of local Catholics for 180 years, is cared for and maintained.

“It has always been the responsibility of the people of the archdiocese to help fund [its] upkeep,” he emphasized. “Sunday collections and other donations … help pay for day- to-day operations,” but they are not enough for the building’s maintenance. “People should richly support their own parishes as they can, but the care and upkeep of St. Peter in Chains is critical for the people … . This is where new priests and permanent deacons are ordained, where the sacred oils are blessed every year. Without this place, the Church of Cincinnati doesn’t exist.”

The last major renovations were nearly 70 years ago, in the mid-1950s, when the structure underwent significant restoration and expansion, including new transepts, sacristy, rectory, and archdiocesan offices. The need for major repairs now may not be obvious to the casual observer, but they are critical, Fr. Schmidt said.

Although the building’s roof was recently replaced, at a cost of $4.2 million, there is extensive and expensive plaster damage from past water infiltration. Multiple organs, in use for decades, need to be replaced because worn out parts are no longer available. Sanctuary furnishings need to be refinished, the bronze entry doors to the cathedral basilica often become stuck or don’t open at all, parts of the parking lot are sinking, and the elevators and lighting system need updates, Fr. Schmidt noted.

While these contribute to the cathedral basilica’s beauty, more importantly, they affect “the safety, security, efficient operation, and overall accessibility,” he said. “I hope people can open their hearts and minds to supporting this. I know their hearts are with their parish communities, but we also all belong to a larger local Church and a worldwide Church. We are certainly responsible for caring for close-to-home needs, but also [for] caring for our cathedral.”

As Ramon gives tours of St. Peter in Chains, he is moved by visitor comments related to its beauty, its historical and spiritual significance, and the sense of God’s presence. “People really appreciate what a gift it is to the archdiocese,” he said.

“I can’t stress enough what a role it has played in our spiritual journey,” he added. “It’s such a beautiful, special place.”

Looking back on their years at the cathedral basilica, Leticia said, “I feel like the Lord directed us here. Whenever I walk in, I think, ‘Lord, this is my home, and maybe it’s a little taste of heaven.’”

This article appeared in the October 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.