For anyone wanting to learn more about Catholic history in central Illinois, this summer is the perfect time to “take a trip down memory lane” at the new Peoria Diocese and Archbishop Sheen Museum.

During the months of July and August, the diocesan museum — located on the first floor of the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria — is marking this year’s 120th anniversary of the dedication of St. Mary’s Cathedral with a special exhibit titled, “The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception: Our Mother Church.”

Construction on St. Mary’s Cathedral began in 1885, and the new edifice was dedicated by Bishop John Lancaster Spalding, Peoria’s first ordinary, on May 15, 1889.

Included in the exhibit are photographs, documents, vestments, and other artifacts and relics that highlight the history of Peoria’s two cathedrals — both the current cathedral as well as “Old St. Mary’s,” the church that became Peoria’s cathedral with the 1877 arrival of Bishop Spalding.

The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals may visit during regular business hours, and special group tours are also available by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

The museum also maintains a permanent exhibit of treasures from the life of the diocese’s most famous native son, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, whose sainthood cause was launched in 2002 by Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC.

The museum is staffed by three members of the Franciscan Sisters of John the Baptist, Sister Lea Stefanecova, Sister Judith Salekova and Sister Ann Gill, who also serve as the diocese’s archivists. Bill Ullrich, building and facilities technician at the pastoral center, assists them with transporting and arranging items and artifacts for exhibits. Together they prepared the museum’s cathedral exhibit.

“The cathedral is not just a type of building in terms of architecture. It actually means something. It is the mother-church,” Sister Lea told The Catholic Post.

“Before Bishop Spalding arrived, it was just ‘St. Mary’s Church.’ After he arrived, it became ‘St. Mary’s Cathedral,’ even though it was just a small church,” said Sister Lea.

Call (309) 671-1550 to contact the museum and archives office, or visit www.cdop.org/pages/AArchives Office.aspx for information on submitting research requests.