The
Cathedral of Saint Paul is a massive structure on
a bluff overlooking the Mississippi river. Though
some have described its proportions as "awkward" this
is the karmic center of the city of Saint Paul. The
cathedral is big enough to support six chapels, each
one dedicated to a saint representing the different
ethnic groups that first settled in the area. For
the French Canadians, Saint John the Baptist; for
the Italians, Saint Anthony; for the Irish, Saint
Patrick; the Slavs get Saints Cyril and Methodius,
and the Germans Saint Boniface. The missionaries to
the area get their own -- Saint Therese of Lisieux.
The cathedral is made from regional materials: for
example, travertine from Mankato, and granite from
Saint Cloud. Of particular interest are the stunning
rose windows which, though recessed, still offer inspiring
viewing in the right light.
- 1987
- The single bell the cathedral was originally constructed
with was replaced by five louder bronze bells from
France.
- 2001
- The Cathedral undergoes a major renovation. Unfortunately,
this is when we visited, so the pictures are full
of cranes and scaffolds.
