CRANBERRY TWP — The Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School auditorium buzzed with excitement Sunday afternoon, as the namesake of the new school dedicated the building with a Mass.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of the Washington, D.C., Diocese and the former bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese, greeted visitors at the school’s entrance to attend the event.

Asked if he ever dreamed when he entered the priesthood that a state-of-the-art high school would be named for him, the approachable cardinal answered immediately.

“Never in my wildest dreams,” said Wuerl. “I am so, so honored and humbled.”

He said the school’s location in Cranberry is perfect because it is an area where “exciting new things are happening.”

Pittsburgh Diocese Bishop David Zubik, who Wuerl credited with founding the school, also greeted those heading for the front doors.

Zubik was elated that the school was built.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s 10 years in the making,” Zubik said.

He also is thrilled with the school’s name, which he thinks is well deserved.

“Cardinal Wuerl worked faithfully for the diocese for 18 years, and it’s a nice tribute for him, for sure.”

Almost all of the auditorium’s 920 seats were filled as 38 priests and deacons preceded Wuerl up the aisle to the stage.

After a service, Wuerl and the congregation moved to the hallway outside of the auditorium. Wuerl then officially dedicated the school, and blessed those in attendance with Holy Water.

“I ask God’s blessings on this center of teaching and learning what is true,” Wuerl said. “I ask the Lord that students will find in their teachers the image of Christ, and I dedicate Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School to the education of youth, to the progression of sciences, and to learning.”

Wuerl and a handful of priests then went off to bless with Holy Water every hallway in the large school.

A reception was held in the school cafeteria as Wuerl performed the blessing.