Archdiocese of New York
Designed by the celebrated 19th century architect James Renwick, Jr., in the Neo-Gothic style, the Cathedral of St. Patrick on 5th avenue in Manhattan stands as the singular most recognized monument to the memory of New York’s first Archbishop, John Joseph Hughes. Work on the cathedral was started in 1858, and the cathedral was not consecrated until May of 1879.
In 1901 construction of the Lady Chapel was begun. Cardinal Spellman renovated the sanctuary of the cathedral replacing the high altar with a new high altar and bronze baldachino. St. Patrick’s Cathedral has the distinction of having been visited by three popes; Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. In addition Eugenio Cardinal Pacelli (later to become Pope Pius XII) visited the cathedral as Secretary of State for Pope Pius XI.
