St Peter's Cathedral, Belfast facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Peter's Cathedral |
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| Saint Peter's Cathedral, Belfast | |
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| Location | Belfast, County Antrim |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| Tradition | Roman Rite |
| Website | https://stpetersbelfast.ie |
| History | |
| Consecrated | 14 October 1866 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Fr Jeremiah Ryan McAuley John O'Neill |
| Style | Gothic Revival |
| Years built | 1860–1866 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 850 |
| Length | 180ft (54.8m) |
| Width | 70ft (21.3m) |
| Number of spires | 2 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Archdiocese of Armagh |
| Diocese | Down and Connor (since 1866) |
| Province | Armagh |
Saint Peter's Cathedral, Belfast (Irish: Ard Eaglais Naomh Peadar) is a very important Catholic church in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is the main church for the Diocese of Down and Connor. This means it is where the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor has his official seat.
The cathedral is located in the Divis Street area of the Falls Road. Building work started in the 1860s. Inside, the cathedral has three choirs: the Cathedral Choir, the Down & Connor Schola Cantorum (a boys' choir), and the Cathedral Girls' Choir.
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History of Saint Peter's Cathedral
For a long time, the main church for the Diocese of Down and Connor was in Downpatrick. But in the early 1800s, Belfast was growing fast. So, when William Crolly became bishop in 1825, the main church moved to Belfast.
Saint Peter's was first planned to be a local church for the many Catholic people moving to Belfast after a big famine. A rich merchant named Bernard Hughes gave the land for the church. The church was designed by Fr Jeremiah Ryan McAuley, who was an architect before he became a priest.
When Was Saint Peter's Cathedral Built?
The church first opened its doors on 14 October 1866. The two tall spires, which are a famous part of the building, were added later in 1886.
Because of its large size and beautiful inside decorations, it became known as a "pro-cathedral." This means it was a temporary main church for the diocese. Another church, St Patrick's Church, Belfast, also shared this honor for a while.
The decision to make Saint Peter's the official cathedral for the diocese was made by Bishop Cahal Daly. He held a special Mass on 29 June 1986, when the building was formally named the cathedral church of Down and Connor.
Design and Architecture
The outside of Saint Peter's Cathedral is made of Scrabo sandstone. It has details made from Scottish sandstone. Inside, the ceiling has a special design called a hammer-beam ceiling.
The cathedral has been renovated several times. Big changes happened in 1950, and again in 1986. More work was done between 2003 and 2005. This most recent work helped the cathedral look more like it did when it was first built. People say the new colors on the ceiling are very strong and lively.
Saint Peter's Cathedral is also a Grade A listed building. This means it is a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Church Services and Events
Mass is held every day at Saint Peter's Cathedral.
- Sunday Masses are:
- Saturday evening (Vigil) at 5:30 PM.
- Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM (Solemn Mass).
- Weekday Masses are:
- 10:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
- 7:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Other important events and services include:
- Confessions are held on Saturdays at 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament happens every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Baptisms take place on Saturdays at 1:00 PM.
- As the main church for the diocese, Saint Peter's hosts major events in the local Church calendar. One example is the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday.
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