Rooted in Christ, gathered around the Eucharist, and united with our Bishop, the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King is called to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacred liturgy with reverence and beauty, form faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, and serve our neighbour with joyful charity. As the mother church of the Diocese of Hamilton, we seek to be a welcoming spiritual home where all people encounter Christ, grow in holiness, and are sent forth to transform the world.
Parish History
The Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King is the mother church of the Diocese of Hamilton and one of Canada’s finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture. As the cathedral, it is the seat of the Bishop of Hamilton and serves as the spiritual heart of the diocese, where the faithful gather for the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacraments, and major diocesan liturgies.
The Basilica was built during the episcopate of Bishop John Thomas McNally, whose vision was to create a cathedral worthy of the growing Catholic community in the Diocese of Hamilton. Construction began in 1931 and, despite the hardships of the Great Depression, the church was completed and dedicated in 1933. Designed by architect William Palmer Witton, the Cathedral is renowned for its soaring Gothic design, magnificent stained glass, beautiful stonework, and inspiring sacred art, all of which draw worshippers into the mystery and beauty of the Catholic faith.
For generations, the Cathedral Basilica has been a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and celebration. It has welcomed countless faithful for baptisms, confirmations, weddings, ordinations, funerals, and diocesan celebrations. As the Bishop’s cathedral, it is a visible sign of the unity of the Church throughout the Diocese of Hamilton and a place where Catholics from every parish gather for important moments in the life of the local Church.
In 2013, in recognition of its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance, Pope Benedict XVI granted the Cathedral the title of Minor Basilica, making it the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. This honour reflects its enduring importance as a centre of worship, evangelization, and service.
Today, the Cathedral Basilica continues its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacred liturgy with reverence and beauty, forming disciples of Jesus Christ, and serving the people of Hamilton and the wider diocese. As both a parish home and the mother church of the Diocese of Hamilton, it remains a place where all are welcomed to encounter Christ the King and grow in faith, hope, and charity.
Basilica Coat of Arms
February 25th, 2013 – in the Cathedral’s 80th year – Pope Benedict XVI honored the Cathedral Church and the Diocese of Hamilton with “basilica” designation for Christ the King. This honorific allows the Cathedral Basilica to devise a coat of arms using the Papal crossed keys and the umbrellino as signs of our close connection with the Holy Father. The shield with a field of red for the blood of Christ, displays the chi ro an ancient symbol for Christ. Above the chi ro is the crown of thorns and the crown of glory. These symbols refer to Christ the King who, through the passion and cross, won victory over sin and death.
The Latin motto, Videbit eum omnis oculus, translates “Every eye shall see Him.” It is taken from Revelation 1.7 and is often proclaimed on the feast of Christ the King. The Cathedral Basilica dominates the view at the intersection of King Street and Highway 403 at the western entrance of the City of Hamilton.
The Cathedral is home to Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton. To learn more about our chief shepherd, click here
Clergy and Staff
Very Reverend, David Walter, VG, Rector
Very Reverend David Walter was born in 1977, growing up in the village of Chepstow in Bruce County. He was educated at Mary Immaculate Elementary School in Chepstow, and Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton. He graduated in 1999 from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Economics. He subsequently worked in Client Services for an investment firm, and then as a Purchasing Manager for a manufacturing company before entering seminary formation. He entered St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto in 2008 where he studied philosophy and theology, graduating from the Master of Divinity program in 2014. Fr. Walter was ordained a priest by Bishop Douglas Crosby at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton in May of 2014.
Father Dave has served as Associate Pastor of St. Matthew’s Parish in Oakville, Pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Waterloo where he also served as Chaplain of the St. John Paul II Student Centre, Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Georgetown, and is currently serving as the Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.
Other roles in which Fr. Dave has served in the Diocese include: the Priest Seminar Committee; the Vocations Committee; Dean of Halton; Secretary-Treasurer of the Cura Pastorum Association; and as the Episcopal Vicar for Priests.
Mrs. Debra Roche, Parish Secretary
Mrs. Sandra Gould, Pastoral Minister
Mr. Robert Corso, Director of Music
Mr. Sandor Kollarich, Maintenance