Sarah Mitchell
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin is often mistaken for a Catholic church, but it is, in fact, a Protestant church in the Anglican tradition. St. Patrick's was originally a Catholic church consecrated in 450 AD in honour of Saint Patrick's arrival in Ireland. It was elevated to cathedral status in 1191 or 1192, but in 1537, during the English Reformation, it became an Anglican church. Today, the Catholic cathedral in Dublin is St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, also known affectionately as the 'Pro'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Catholic Basilica in Dublin | St. Mary's Pro Cathedral |
| Nicknames | 'Pro', 'The Chapel in Marlborough Street' |
| History | Founded between 1815 and 1825 on the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary |
| Visitors | Tourists, local parishioners, the Lord Mayor, the County Council, the Archbishop, and foreign ambassadors |
| Features | Buttresses, perpendicular windows, a choir, a crypt |
| Burials | Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, and his friend Stella |
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What You'll Learn
St. Patrick's Cathedral is Anglican, not Catholic
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is an Anglican church, not a Catholic one. The cathedral became Anglican following the English Reformation in the 1530s. During this time, some images within the cathedral were defaced by soldiers under Thomas Cromwell, and neglect led to the collapse of the nave in 1544. The flexible Archbishop of Dublin, Hugh Curwen, continued to serve as archbishop under Queen Mary's reversion of the church to Roman Catholicism in 1555, but he used the Anglican rite from 1559 under Queen Elizabeth.
St. Patrick's Cathedral has had a long and varied history. In the 1560s and 1570s, the Catholic community continued to nominate canons and principal dignitaries to St. Patrick's. In the early 17th century, the cathedral was in a poor state of repair, and during Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, he stabled his horses in the nave to demonstrate his disrespect for the Anglican religion, which he associated with Catholicism and political Royalism.
After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, repairs to the building began, and the cathedral chapter offered the Lady Chapel for the use of French-speaking Huguenots who had fled to Ireland. The roof was replaced between 1668 and 1671, and in the 1680s, the choir was reformed. During the Williamite War in Ireland (1688-1690), James II and his fellow Catholics briefly repossessed St. Patrick's, but it was restored to Anglican ownership after the victory of the Protestant Williamites.
In more recent times, St. Patrick's Cathedral has played host to many public national ceremonies, including Ireland's Remembrance Day ceremonies and the funerals of two Irish presidents. It has also been recognised by Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards and featured in RTÉ's documentary series "The Last Irish Missionaries". While St. Patrick's Cathedral is Anglican and not Catholic, it has contributed significantly to Irish life and is open to people of all faiths who wish to explore its rich history and experience its worship services.
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St. Mary's Pro Cathedral is Catholic
St. Mary's Pro Cathedral, affectionately nicknamed 'Pro' by the people of Dublin, is a Catholic church. It was established between 1815 and 1825 on the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary.
St. Mary's Pro Cathedral is located in Dublin, Ireland, and is known for its significant role in the political and religious history of the country. The cathedral is often visited by presidents, governments, foreign ambassadors, and tourists during great national occasions and sightseeing trips.
The Pro Cathedral is an active house of God, where people come daily to light candles and offer prayers. It serves as a heart for the city, as envisioned by Archbishop Troy.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, on the other hand, is not a Catholic church. After the English Reformation, which began around 1536, St. Patrick's became an Anglican church, specifically the Church of Ireland. It is the largest cathedral in the country and is one of the few remaining buildings from medieval Dublin.
Thus, St. Mary's Pro Cathedral stands as the Catholic cathedral in Dublin, playing a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the city and the nation.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is the country's largest church. It is also the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The basis of the present building was constructed between 1191 and 1270, though little remains of the earliest work beyond the baptistry. The church stands on the spot where St Patrick himself is said to have baptised local Celtic chieftains in the 5th century. It is one of the few remaining buildings from medieval Dublin.
The church has had a tumultuous history. In the 1530s, some images within the cathedral were defaced by soldiers under Thomas Cromwell, and neglect led to the collapse of the nave in 1544. During Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, he stabled his horses in the nave of the cathedral to demonstrate his disrespect for the Anglican religion, which he associated with Roman Catholicism and political Royalism. In the 1680s, the choir was reformed. In 1688–90, during the Williamite War in Ireland, James II and his fellow Catholics briefly repossessed St Patrick's. However, the victory of the Protestant Williamites meant that the cathedral was restored to Anglican ownership in 1690 when James abandoned Dublin after his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne.
St Patrick's has contributed much to Irish life. The writer and satirist Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745. Many of his famous sermons and "Irish tracts" were given during his stay. His grave and epitaph can be seen in the cathedral, along with those of his friend Stella. The cathedral is also famous for its choir, which is Ireland's oldest, dating back to 1432. They perform daily from Monday to Friday during the school term. Its Christmas service is also notable.
The cathedral plays host to several public national ceremonies. Ireland's Remembrance Day ceremonies, hosted by the Royal British Legion and attended by the President of Ireland, take place there every November. Its carol service, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, is celebrated twice in December, including on the 24th, and is a colourful feature of Dublin life.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral hosts national ceremonies
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It is not a Catholic basilica but a Church of Ireland cathedral. It was established in 1192 by John Comyn, the first Anglo-Norman Archbishop of Dublin, who elevated one of the four Dublin Celtic parish churches dedicated to Saint Patrick to the status of a collegiate church.
The cathedral has played an important role in Irish life and history. It has been the site of significant national ceremonies and events. For instance, it hosts Ireland's Remembrance Day ceremonies every November, which are attended by the President of Ireland. It also holds a carol service, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, twice in December, including on 24 December, which has become a colourful fixture of Dublin life. Furthermore, the cathedral hosts the graduation ceremonies of Technological University Dublin on Saturdays in autumn.
St. Patrick's Cathedral has been associated with notable figures such as Jonathan Swift, the writer and satirist known for "Gulliver's Travels". Swift served as the dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745, and his grave and epitaph can be found there.
The cathedral has undergone various changes throughout its history. After the English Reformation, St. Patrick's became an Anglican church, and it faced periods of neglect, with soldiers defacing images within the cathedral under Thomas Cromwell. In 1549, orders were given to repaint and inscribe the walls with scriptures. During Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland, he stabled his horses in the nave of the cathedral to demonstrate his disrespect for Anglicanism and its association with Catholicism.
Following the victory of the Protestant Williamites in the Williamite War in 1690, the cathedral was restored to Anglican ownership. From 1783 to 1871, it served as the Chapel of the Most Illustrious Order of Saint Patrick. In 1871, with the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, St. Patrick's became the national cathedral, while Christ Church Cathedral became the local cathedral of the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough.
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St. Patrick's Cathedral was founded near a well where St. Patrick baptised converts
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, has a long and fascinating history. It is said that St. Patrick's Cathedral was founded near a well where St. Patrick baptised his converts. This well, known as St. Patrick's Well, was located on an island between two branches of the River Poddle. The site of the well is marked by a cross on a stone slab, which can still be seen within the cathedral today.
The cathedral has been a significant part of Irish life for centuries and has contributed much to the culture of Dublin. The present building of the cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, was constructed between 1191 and 1270, with much of the work overseen by Henry of London, a friend of the King of England. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous alterations and restorations, most notably in 1864 when it was saved from ruin and underwent a significant Victorian-era reconstruction.
One of the most notable aspects of the cathedral's history is its association with the writer and satirist Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels". Swift served as the dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745, and his grave and epitaph can be found within the cathedral grounds. The cathedral has also played a role in national ceremonies, hosting Ireland's Remembrance Day services and serving as a venue for graduation ceremonies and funerals of notable figures, including two Irish presidents.
St. Patrick's Cathedral has had a complex religious history. After the English Reformation, it became an Anglican church, and it has changed hands several times between Catholics and Protestants during periods of political and religious upheaval. Today, it is the national cathedral of Ireland, serving as a place of worship and a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors from around the world.
The cathedral's rich history and architectural features make it a fascinating destination. Visitors can explore the peaceful interior, admire the Gothic-style architecture, and learn about the cathedral's contribution to Irish culture through its permanent exhibition, "Living Stones". St. Patrick's Cathedral stands as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural significance it has represented throughout the centuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral is a Catholic Basilica in Dublin, Ireland.
Another name for St. Mary's Pro Cathedral is "The Pro".
St. Mary's Pro Cathedral was established between 1815 and 1825 on the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary.
No, St. Patrick's Cathedral is not a Catholic church. It is a Protestant church in the Anglican tradition.
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland.
