Cathedral of Saint Theresa of Lisieux facts for kids
The Cathedral of Saint Theresa of Lisieux, often called St. Theresa's Cathedral, is a beautiful Roman Catholic church in Hamilton, Bermuda. It's a very important church because it's the main church for the Catholic Bishop in Bermuda. Hamilton has two cathedrals; the other is the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, which belongs to the Anglican church.
For a long time, it was difficult for Catholics in Bermuda. When Bermuda was first settled, the law said that only the Church of England was allowed. Other Christian groups and non-Christian faiths were not permitted. Over time, these laws changed, and Catholics were eventually allowed to practice their faith openly.
A Place for Worship and Learning
Even when the laws changed, Catholic priests in Bermuda faced some challenges. At first, they couldn't perform important ceremonies like baptisms, weddings, or funerals. However, many Catholic soldiers, especially from Ireland, were stationed in Bermuda. British Army chaplains started holding the first Catholic services for them in the 1800s.
The Catholic Church also helped start a school. In 1890, Mount Saint Agnes Academy opened. It was built because some army officers wanted a school for the children of Irish Catholic soldiers. This school is still open today and is located very close to the cathedral.
Over the years, more Catholics came to Bermuda. Many people from Portuguese islands, like the Azores, moved there starting in the 1840s. Today, people of Portuguese heritage make up a big part of Bermuda's population. The Roman Catholic Church is now the second largest Christian group in Bermuda.
Building the Cathedral
St. Theresa's Cathedral was officially opened in 1932. It was built on land that Father Isaac Comeau bought in 1915. Later, in 1967, it became a cathedral when the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in Bermuda was created.
The cathedral has a unique look. It was built in a style that reminds people of churches in Spain or Portugal, rather than the usual Bermudian style or the Gothic style of the Anglican cathedral. It was named after its special patron saint, Thérèse of Lisieux, who was known as the Little Flower of Jesus.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santa Teresa de Lisieux para niños
