Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral |
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Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
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| 18°20′27.64″N 64°56′12.45″W / 18.3410111°N 64.9367917°W | |
| Location | 22 Kronprindsens Gade
United States  |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | cathedralvi.org |
| History | |
| Status | Cathedral/Parish church |
| Founded | 1806 |
| Dedication | Saint Peter and Saint Paul |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1848 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | St. Thomas |
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is an important Catholic church in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is the main church and headquarters for the Catholic community there. You can find it in the city of Charlotte Amalie.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Early Beginnings
The Catholic Church was officially allowed in the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands) in 1773. This was thanks to King Christian VII of Denmark.
The very first Catholic church building was bought in 1802. Sadly, it was destroyed by a fire just two years later.
Building the Church
A new church, named after the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, was opened in 1806. The first church building at the current spot was finished in 1828.
However, a big hurricane in 1837 damaged most of that building. The church building you see today was completed in 1848.
Becoming a Cathedral
Later, Pope John XXIII created the Prelature of the Virgin Islands. This meant the Church of Saints Peter and Paul became its main church, known as a cathedral.
For many years, priests from a group called the Redemptorists served the church. They left in 1989. After that, Msgr. Michael F. Kosak became the first priest from the local diocese to lead the cathedral.
Art and Restoration
The cathedral's ceiling has more than 12 amazing murals. These paintings show scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
In 2004, a special project began to fix up and restore the cathedral. This helps keep the historic building beautiful for everyone.
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de los Santos Pedro y Pablo (Charlotte Amalie) para niños
