The former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana was the motherchurch of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It is now being renovated to become a performing arts center.

The former Cathedral of Saint Vibiana was once the motherchurch cathedral parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles under the pastoral care of the Archbishop of Los Angeles. It was dedicated in 1876, named after a legendary Roman martyr Saint Vibiana. The church was extensively damaged during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. After fighting between preservationists and the archdiocese, it was decided that the former cathedral would be renovated as a performing arts center. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was constructed and consecrated as the new motherchurch cathedral parish of the archdiocese. A motherchurch or mother church in Christianity is used in three forms. ... A cathedral is a Christian church building, specifically of a denomination with an episcopal hierarchy (such as the Roman Catholic Church or the Anglican churches), which serves as the central church of a bishopric. ... A parish is a subdivision of a diocese or bishopric within the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Church of Sweden, and of some other churches. ... The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles covers the City of Los Angeles as well as Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, California. ... 1876 is a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Ancient Rome was a civilization that existed in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East between 753 BC and its downfall in AD 476. ... Historically, a martyr is a person who dies for his or her religious faith. ... General definition of saint In general, the term Saint refers to someone who is exceptionally virtuous and holy. ... St. ... The 1994 Northridge earthquake occurred on January 17, 1994 at 4:30:55 am Pacific Standard Time in the city of Los Angeles, California. ... The Virgin Mary, sculpted by Robert Graham. ...