A 160-year legacy continues for Christchurch's Catholic community, with their new cathedral set to be named The Blessed Sacrament

It will be built on the same Barbadoes Street site as its earthquake damaged predecessor of the same name.

Bishop Michael Gielen says affection for the name was evident among the 2000 responses to the shortlist.

He says retaining it will provide comfort to the community.

Gielen says the path towards a new cathedral will take a number of years - but choosing its name is an important step.