By Marie Galetto-Dugoni
In the heart of Silicon Valley stands a symbol of enduring faith, tradition, and community—the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. The oldest non-mission Catholic parish in California, established in 1803 and rebuilt in 1877, this sacred space is more than just a physical structure. It is the spiritual heart of the Diocese of San Jose, the “Mother Church” that has witnessed countless moments of joy, sorrow, and grace. As the years unfold, the Cathedral will remain a center of Catholic presence and heritage, not just for the faithful of today, but for generations to come.
Since the Cathedral’s construction, the valley has grown from an agricultural region to the hub of technology and diversity that we know today. Its storied walls have housed some of the Diocese’s most significant celebrations—the ordination of priests, major feast days, weddings, and funerals. As “the Bishop’s parish church,” it stands as a living testament to the faith that binds the people of this Diocese together.
As the Cathedral remains a symbol of our faith through the decades, it requires care, attention, and resources.
In 2005, as part of the Rooted in Faith campaign, the Cathedral Basilica Preservation Endowment was established at the Foundation, a forward-thinking fund designed to ensure that the Cathedral would endure for generations to come. The endowment was created with a simple but profound mission: to support capital and restoration projects for the building so it can continue to serve as a vibrant and welcoming place of worship.
To date, the endowment has supported projects that ensure the Cathedral remains a place of beauty, reverence, and safety. One of the most notable projects was the restoration of the Cathedral’s exquisite stained-glass windows—a multi-year effort that required skill, precision, and dedication. The floors were refinished, the lighting upgraded to energy-efficient LED technology, and the boiler and heaters reconditioned. Multiple projects are underway with support of these grants including restoration of the baptismal font, audio upgrades, front door replacement, and adding air conditioning.
A Legacy of Care for the Cathedral
The story of the Cathedral’s preservation is, in part, a story of generosity. Many families gave generously during the Rooted in Faith campaign to create this fund and build up this resource for the church. One couple, deeply dedicated to the Cathedral and its mission, embodied the spirit of commitment to this sacred space. As longtime docents, they referred to themselves as the “guardians of the Cathedral,” sharing their love for the church with all who passed through its doors. They continued to donate annually to the endowment after the campaign ended, but their greatest gift came in 2019, when they left a beautiful bequest to the endowment that would forever solidify their care for the Cathedral. Their legacy of care for the Cathedral lives on through the permanent support their gift provides. The annual grant from the endowment is now over $500,000, funding essential restoration projects to address the needs of the historic building and maintain the Cathedral’s graceful presence in the heart of downtown San Jose.
As the landscape of Silicon Valley continues to change, the Cathedral’s timeless beauty will stand as a reminder of our Catholic community’s long and important history in the region. The Cathedral Basilica Preservation Endowment, strengthened by the legacy of generous donors, will help ensure the Cathedral remains a place of refuge, reverence, and community—a place where the faithful can gather to worship, celebrate, and reflect on their shared faith.
A gift left in your estate plan to an organization or ministry you love is a beautiful testament to your values and passions, ensuring that your legacy continues to support causes close to your heart long after you’re gone. If you’d like to leave a legacy gift, the Foundation is a great resource for ideas and vehicles. Contact us at info@catholiccf.org or click the button below for more information.