Archbishop Richard G. Henning announced the appointment of Rev. Christopher K. O’Connor as Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Fr. Chris succeeds Msgr. Kevin O’Leary following eighteen years as rector. Fr. Chris will assume pastoral leadership of the Cathedral in late June 2026.
“I am grateful to Fr. Chris that he has accepted this new assignment with great optimism and a vibrant commitment to serving the Cathedral community,” said the Archbishop. “This May, Fr. Chris will celebrate his 28th anniversary as a priest. He will bring with him to the Cathedral extensive pastoral parish experience and a desire to serve the people of God regardless of their station in life. I look forward to supporting his efforts during this time of increased participation by Catholics across the Archdiocese.”
Fr. Chris said, “I am honored by the appointment of Archbishop Henning to serve at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. It is my hope and prayer to simply continue the excellent pastoral care that Msgr. O’Leary provided to parishioners and visitors alike. I pray that the Cathedral continues to shine as a beacon of hope and light for all who wish to encounter Christ.”
In thanking Msgr. O’Leary for his many years of pastoral service to the Cathedral community, the Archbishop said, “For these past eighteen years, Msgr. O’Leary has overseen its hugely successful restoration. This will preserve its presence as both the mother Church of the Archdiocese but also as a permanent home in the South End of Boston. Under his leadership, the Cathedral has become a beacon of hope in the community providing a pastoral home to Catholics and a place that serves the neediest and people from every walk of life.” The Archbishop noted that “in assuming Senior Priest Status, Msgr. O’Leary will continue to offer priestly ministry with generosity and faithfulness.”
For a history on the Cathedral including the extensive restoration completed in 2019, click here.