Cathedral of Saint Paul
designated a National Shrine
MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, Minnesota - The Vatican has designated the Cathedral of Saint Paul to be the first national shrine in honor of the Apostle Paul.
This special distinction was granted by the Office of the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, following a request by The Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
This will be the first national shrine in the State of Minnesota and the only national shrine in North America dedicated to honor Saint Paul.
According to canon (church) law, “The term shrine signifies a church or other sacred place to which the faithful make pilgrimages for a particular pious reason with the approval of the local ordinary (bishop).”
Those wishing to participate more fully in the life of the National Shrine can become members of the Archconfraternity of the Apostle Paul.
Tens of thousands of people, particularly tourists, already visit the Cathedral of Saint Paul every year. Bus loads of children also come to learnabout the role of the Mother Church of the Archdiocese. The number of visitors is expected to increase significantly as a result of this designation as a national shrine dedicated to Saint Paul.
Over the decades, the Cathedral developed as a catechism in stone and glass by evangelizing through its grandeur and beauty.
The patron Saint Paul is particularly honored through a series of bronze grills that depict major events in his life, from his conversion to his martyrdom.
The Shrine of the Nations, which features patron saints of ethnic groups from Europe who settled the area, serves as a reminder that the work of the Apostle to the Gentiles continues through every age.
Welcome words
The Cathedral of Saint Paul is one of the largest and most historic churches in the United States. Its architectural grandeur and prominent site make it an integral part of the landscape of the capital city of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St.Paul — whose name derives from the title of this great building.
The Cathedral is rightly listed as a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a treasure for all Americans and one that we can proudly compare to the great cathedrals of Europe.
As a monument, the Cathedral is a destination for people of all beliefs. We respect and welcome people who may not share our faith in Jesus Christ. The transcendence of this sacred place encourages the best in all of us and shows us that beautiful dreams can come true. We are committed to engaging our fellow citizens in a dialogue as to how people of faith may contribute to the common good of our society.
As the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, the Cathedral serves as the spiritual center of its approximately 700,000 members.
Here the most important moments in the Archdiocese's life take place, such as ordinations and the welcoming of a new archbishop. And at any time, this is a place where all Catholics may come to pray or participate in our many vibrant programs.
As a parish, the Cathedral is the primary spiritual home of nearly 2,500 families. Thus it is a living community of faith which tries hard to welcome some 200,000 visitors whom we receive each year. We pray that this website may encourage you to visit us in person.
NOTES ON THE CATHEDRAL
One of the most distinctive cathedrals in the United States, the now N ational Shrine of St. Paul sits on Cathedral Hill overlooking downtown St Paul and features a distinctive copper-clad dome. The current building opened in 1915 as the fourth cathedral of the archdiocese to bear this name.
The design was inspired by French Renaissance architecture. The dome of the cathedral is 76 feet (23 m) in diameter and 186 feet (57 m) high. Warm-colored paint and gold leaf were added during a major renovation of the dome in the 1950s.
The exterior walls of the cathedral are Rockville granite from St. Cloud, Minnesota. The interior walls are American Travertine from Mankato, Minnesota. The interior columns are made of several types of marble.
The interior is illuminated by twenty-four stained glass windows featuring angelic choirs.
The life of Saint Paul is honored in the bronze baldachin, as well as massive bronze Te Deum and Magnificat grilles.
The cathedral also has six chapels dedicated to the patron saints of the European ethnic groups that settled the area around the city: St. Anthony for the Italians, St. John the Baptist for the French Canadians, St. Patrick for the Irish, St. Boniface for the Germans, Saints Cyril and Methodius for the Slavs; and St. Therese of Lisieux for the missionaries.
There are also chapels dedicated to the Sacred Heart, to Mary, the mother of Jesus and to St. Joseph, her husband, as well as to Saint Peter.
iN 1974, The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 06/03/2010 10:22]