Cardinal Roger Mahony dedicated the new Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels two years ago on Mary's feast day, September 2. Thousands of guests (including more than 560 cardinals, bishops, priests and religious) participated in the inaugural ceremony to mark the auspicious event --- reported to be the "third largest cathedral in the world."

Now Msgr. Francis Weber, the archdiocesan archivist and historian, has encapsulated that moment, a past history and a detailed description of the new church in his newly-published book, "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels," published by the Saint Francis Historical Society.

The 364-page book includes an absorbing historical background besides an incredible account of the new building's plans, construction and ultimate completion erected "within the span of four and one half years…unparalleled in the construction trade." In simple terms, it could be called: Everything you wanted to know about the old and new cathedral, but didn't know where to look. This is where you find it.

No one is better qualified to fit all the pieces together, present enticing facts, and convey a spiritual insight to a complicated history --- all in a scholarly yet highly readable format. Msgr. Weber, in his 45 years of priesthood, has published more than 160 books, 103 miniature books and contributed the California Catholic Heritage column for The Tidings for more than 30 years. Besides colorful biographies of Cardinals James Francis McIntyre and Timothy Manning, he was written his own autobiography, "Memories of an Old Country Priest."

In "Cathedral," he traces the history of St. Vibiana Cathedral, founded in 1876, to its now two-year-old successor at Temple and Grand. His preface details the elements of a cathedral, followed by a prologue from Pope John Paul II from the dedication ceremony: "May this cathedral always remain an eloquent symbol of communion and fraternity…an enduring monument to Christian holiness!"

Thirteen chapters and eight appendices cover every aspect related to the past and the present buildings, including proposed cathedrals that never happened. The 180 photos and reproductions and 464 footnotes contribute both visually and historically. Msgr. Weber includes touches of humor and even includes critical and opposing viewpoints and cartoons.

A more thorough and well-balanced account will be hard to find. Msgr. Weber noted that this publication (4,000 copies printed) inaugurates the beginning of the cathedral endowment plan to support its ministries.

"The hardest part of the book," he admitted, "is the research; the writing comes more easily." The detailed research clearly delineates every stage of the cathedral's story from the perspectives of Cardinal Mahony, the various committees, financial contributors such as Sir Daniel Donohue, and the architect, Jose Rafael Moneo. In an article for the Los Angeles Times, the architect observed: "I envision a cathedral that is a prominent part of the urban landscape, a permanent reminder of God's presence in our midst." On the occasion of the ground blessing, Cardinal Mahony said: "Our new cathedral is being designed to endure for at least five centuries, thus passing on our faith in God…and to express that faith in our lives and in our sacred buildings."

On the book jacket, the cardinal says: "The road that leads to this spot, becomes a different kind of camino real, closer to the route the friars first imagined, a road to Christ the King. Many motorists may exit the freeway allured by this towering icon of God's dwelling with us."

"Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels' is available for $29 at the Gift Shop at the Cathedral, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles; (213) 680-5277.