Outside Reading: St. Patrick's Cathedral

     St. Patrick's Cathedral was built in the mid to late 19th century during the time of mass immigration in New York. The grand cathedral is inspired by high gothic architecture, as seen with the addition of stain-glassed windows, flying buttresses, and vaulted ceilings. With an influx of immigrants from western europe, Catholicism was on the rise in America at the time. As a result many immigrants and citizens commissioned thousands of dollars into building a community cathedral similar to those in Europe. Archbishop John Hughes had the vision for building a new cathedral in hopes of helping to conserve and spread the catholic faith. He hoped that St. Patrick's Cathedral "would one day be 'the heart of the city.'" While the cathedral has largely become a popular tourist attraction, religious ceremonies are still ongoing in the church.
     Last February I had the chance to go to New York, and happened to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral. Walking through the cathedral was a truly spiritual experience, one that I had never felt before visiting. Even with breathtaking architecture, the atmosphere of the cathedral is very intimate and unique. 




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