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St. Patrick's Old Cathedral Is Now a Basilica
By
Garth Johnston
Published Dec 6, 2010
Modified Dec 6, 2010
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Dec 6, 2010
Modified Dec 6, 2010
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As planned, St. Patrick's Old Cathedral got another name this weekend, when Archbiship Timoty Dolan designated the downtown landmark a basilica at afternoon vespers led by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, who said, "The title basilica is awarded to a church because of its historical, spiritual, cultural and artistic value. This is still a living, breathing, loving, embracing, serving parish."
The cathedral, which opened in 1815 as the city's first, is the first basilica in Manhattan but not in the city—Brooklyn already has the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.
The new name doesn't really change much about the soaring Little Italy structure, but it does bring with it recognition of the church's long history, the honor of being the pope's home parish when he visits, and the privilege to display objects associated with the title.
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BASILICA
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ST. PATRICK'S OLD CATHEDRAL
Garth Johnston
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