Christ Cathedral

IN MEMORIAM: BR. WILLIAM JOHN WOEGER

APRIL 22, 1945 TO DEC. 17, 2024

By BRADLEY ZINT     1/14/2025

BR. WILLIAM JOHN WOEGER, FSC, a nationally recognized liturgical designer whose vision helped transform the Crystal Cathedral into Christ Cathedral, has died.

The member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers) passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 17 while in Connecticut. He was 79.

Br. William served on the architectural and sacred art commissions in the endeavor to transform the Crystal Cathedral, world-famous Protestant megachurch, into Orange County’s Catholic worship hub of Christ Cathedral: A Place for Christ Forever. Since the cathedral’s 2019 dedication, Br. William’s contributions — which include designing the crux gemmata above the altar — have left an indelible impression upon countless worshippers and visitors each year.

“He was able to take traditional religious art and give it a contemporary flair,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, who served with Br. William on the cathedral commissions in his role as Christ Cathedral’s first rector. “He was very artistically astute. Every time he presented an idea, he didn’t just put out an idea. He put it in a context that was educational, talking about the artistic design of a particular period.”

Fr. Christopher noted how Br. William was direct, respectful and knowledgeable, yet always willing to learn. For Christ Cathedral, he designed the crux gemmata, altar candles, Paschal candle, sanctuary lamps, reliquary and dedication candles. He also incorporated pieces of crystal in the crux gemmata and Paschal candle — small nods to the Crystal Cathedral history.

“The art in Christ Cathedral will pass judgment as good art and also be both evocative and provocative, evoking commentary — and that’s when art is successful,” Br. William told Orange County Catholic in 2019. “There is so much sacred art out there that may be well intentioned but is no good. If it’s mediocre art, you look at it and move on. Good art will challenge and engage you — you may not like it at first, but you may come to like it because it won’t let you quit considering it.”

Br. William was born on April 22, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his religious habit in 1963 and pronounced his perpetual vows in 1970. He served in the Office for Divine Worship in the Archdiocese of Omaha for 40 years, a role that including him serving as a liturgical consultant and designer for projects across the United States.

When giving input on the layout of Christ Cathedral, Br. William suggested that the ambo should be raised above the floor like in old churches.

“It was genius. It does give the ambo prominence in the cathedral,” Fr. Christopher said. “He gave input all along the way… he was a person who could teach you a lot just to work with him.”

Msgr. Art Holquin served with Br. William on the Christ Cathedral renovation commissions.

“Br. William, a dear friend, was encyclopedic in his knowledge of church art through the centuries,” Msgr. Holquin said. “We, in the church of Orange, benefitted from that wisdom in his unparalleled input on the magnificent redesign of Christ Cathedral. Its beauty and noble simplicity very much is a gift from this servant of the Church.”

Omaha Archbishop George Lucas credited Br. William’s work in the Diocese of Orange, saying during the brother’s Golden Jubilee that he “is now in the Crystal era of life.” He also complimented his continued contributions to Omaha’s St. Cecilia Cathedral.

“We have a beautiful cathedral … [and] it remains beautiful and vibrant today thanks in great part to Br. William, who loved every stone, statue and window,” Archbishop Lucas told Omaha’s The Catholic Voice.

“Many of us will miss him; many more will continue to be inspired by his legacy.”

Br. William’s Mass of Christian Burial was on Jan. 2 at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska. He was interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, also in Omaha.