Moncton cathedral designated national historic monument

The Monctoncathedralhas been designated a national historic monument,Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor announced Tuesday, National Acadian Day.

The Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral, inaugurated in 1940, represents for the Acadian people a symbol of its survival and vitality, according to a statement issued by PetitpasTaylor'soffice.

"Such a designation will ensure that this important Acadian institution will always be recognized for its great value and it will furthermore allow future generations of Acadians to fully grasp its historical importance within our community," she said.

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The landmark cathedral on St. George Street also houses an important collection of Acadian art and historical artifacts, and features distinct architecture both inside and outside, the statement said.

The designation of the iconic building by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will be formalizedwitha commemorative plaque at a later date.

The construction and preservation of our Cathedral is the result of a collective effort and it will forever serve as a symbol of the resilience of the Acadian people.-Valry Vienneau, Monctonarchbishop

Marie-Linda Lord, president of the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Cathedral Foundation, said she is "absolutely thrilled."

"This historical recognition of our cathedral is further proof of its importance in the history our country." she said. "This is an important national recognition both for the Acadian people and the City of Moncton."

MonctonArchbishopValry Vienneau called it "a great day for all Acadians on this the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, Patron Saint of the Acadian people."

"The construction and preservation of our Cathedral is the result of a collective effort and it will forever serve as a symbol of the resilience of the Acadian people."

In 2014, theMonctonArchdioceseannounced an agreement with several Acadian groups, who would lease newly renovated office space at the church, along with a campaign to raise $7 million for repairsto the roof,windows, stone, mortar and foundation.