View source for Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick (Diocese of Harrisburg)

'''Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick''' is in [[Pennsylvania]] ([[United States]]) and is part of the [[Diocese of Harrisburg]].

It is dedicated to [[Saint Patrick]].{{Parish
|Dedication=Saint Patrick
|ShortName=Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick
|ParishLocation=40.2601, -76.8831
|MailingAddress=212 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
|Diocese=Diocese of Harrisburg
|Deanery=Harrisburg Deanery
|City=Harrisburg, PA
|County=Dauphin County
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Pennsylvania
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=https://www.stpatrickcathedral.com/
|ParishFounded=1826
|ParishSchool=Yes
|ParishEmailAddress=info@stpatrickcathedral.com
}}
== History ==
The Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has a storied history beginning in 1806 with a small Catholic mission. The land on Allison Hill was purchased in 1813 for a chapel and cemetery, which was later sold and repurchased for the Bishop's residence in 1871.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/cathedral-parish-of-saint-patrick/ |title=Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick |website=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The current site of the cathedral was acquired in 1824, with the cornerstone laid in 1826. The church was blessed in 1827, dedicated to Saint Patrick, largely due to the influence of Irish immigrants who came to work on the Pennsylvania Canal. This church served as the diocese's "pro-cathedral" when the Diocese of Harrisburg was established in 1868.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stpatrickcathedral.com/history |title=History |website=Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The construction of the present cathedral began in 1904, following a diocesan synod in 1902 where Bishop John W. Shanahan proposed building a cathedral. It was completed and dedicated in 1907 at a cost of $250,000. This cathedral features Baroque Revival architecture with Renaissance Revival influences and is capped with a classical dome.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Saint_Patrick_(Harrisburg,_Pennsylvania) |title=Cathedral of Saint Patrick (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) |website=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

Significant renovations in 1948-1949 under Bishop George L. Leech included interior decorations. Further renovations occurred in 2003 for the exterior, including stained glass window restoration and roof replacement, and again in 2006 for the centennial celebration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://discovermass.com/church/cathedral-parish-of-saint-patrick-harrisburg-pa |title=Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick |website=Discover Mass |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The cathedral has also been instrumental in education, with the parish school opening in 1873. It now operates as part of Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School, serving grades K-8. The parish has seen mergers with neighboring parishes like Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence, further enhancing its community role.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stpatrickcathedral.com/education |title=Education |website=Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick remains an active center for worship, education, and community service within the Diocese of Harrisburg, preserving its historical and spiritual significance in central Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g52814-d3563302-Reviews-Cathedral_of_Saint_Patrick-Harrisburg_Pennsylvania.html |title=Cathedral of Saint Patrick |website=TripAdvisor |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

==References==
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