The story of Guardian Angel Cathedral begins in 1958, when the Clerics of St. Viator began celebrating early morning Sunday Masses—at 4:30 AM—in hotels and casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip. These Masses were held to serve both visitors and local hospitality workers, creating a unique spiritual presence in the heart of the city.
By 1963, this mission found a permanent home with the establishment of the Guardian Angel Shrine. As the Catholic community in southern Nevada grew, so did the Shrine’s significance. In 1977, with the renaming of the Diocese of Reno to the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas, the Shrine was elevated to parish and Co-Cathedral status.
A significant milestone came in 1995 with the formation of the Diocese of Las Vegas, when Guardian Angel was officially named the Cathedral of the Diocese.
Most recently, on May 30, 2023, Pope Francis elevated the Diocese of Las Vegas to the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, and Guardian Angel Cathedral was honored as its Metropolitan Cathedral—a central spiritual home for Catholics across southern Nevada.
We invite you to explore the history, beauty, and vibrant faith community that make Guardian Angel Cathedral a cornerstone of Catholic life in Las Vegas.