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Saint Joseph Cathedral

Manchester, New Hampshire

History of the Early Formation of the Parish

 

            Following is a brief history of the early formation of this parish gathered from historical sources, parish records and archives, and especially from the following:

 

M.H.D.—The Life of Denis M. Bradley

A Sister of Mercy—Memoir of Rev. William McDonald

Newspaper accounts from the Manchester Daily Union, the Manchester Mirror and the Manchester American

Catholic Encyclopedia

 

            Father McDonald of Saint Anne’s parish bought land on the corner of Pine and Lowell Streets in 1862 for the purpose of building our church. The lot did not include the land where the chapel and rectory are located. The architect was hired in 1866 and work began in 1867, completion and dedication taking place in 1869. Bear in mind that many parishioners, after finishing work in the mill, contributed their services to the work. They came directly from the mill and their children brought their supper so that they could work in the daylight. Our parish records in Father McDonald’s handwriting that the total costs, including the purchase price of the land, carpentry, architect, church appointments and even a ton of coal, was $61,523.81.

 

            The architect chosen by Father McDonald for our church was Patrick Keeley of Brooklyn, NY. There is an interesting account of his life in the Catholic Encyclopedia:

 

PATRICK CHARLES KEELEY 19th century American church architect, (variously Kiely, Keily) born in Ireland either Kilkenny August 9, 1816 or Thurles August 9, 1820, died Brooklyn, NY August 11, 1896, presumably trained under his architect-father, he migrated to the US in 1841. Between 1847 and 1892 he designed 16 Catholic cathedrals, and an estimated 500 to 700 other churches. The Cathedrals of Rochester, NY, Chicago, Boston, Providence, Erie, Brooklyn, Hartford, Portland, Manchester, and Saint Francis Xavier church in New York City are among his best known works. In general his structures are “preaching churches”—broad for their length with large unobstructed interiors and often stark and naïve but monumental exteriors. Their style is neo-or Victorian Gothic, a decadent adaptation of medieval architecture that became widespread in both Europe and America in the 19th century. In 1884 Keeley received the second Laetare Medal from Notre Dame University.

 

            The church as designed by Keeley was dedicated on April 18, 1869. It was later enlarged as a cathedral by Bishop Bradley in 1894.

 

            This is a progress report as printed in the “Manchester Daily Union” on July 3, 1868:

 

THE NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH—The foundations of the new church, corner of Pine and Lowell Streets, were laid about two years ago, and during the twelve months passed, with some intermissions, the work has pushed steadily forward. This fine structure was designed by the extensively-employed architect, P.C. Keeley, of Brooklyn, NY, who has probably planned and superintended the erection of more church edifices than any other architect in the country. The church lot covers an area of 150 square feet, which is almost wholly taken up by the building. The exterior is now nearly complete, including the spire, 170 feet in height, and give the close observer a view of how it will look when the staging is entirely removed. The work in the interior is also well advanced and gives evidence of the finished beauty which it will finally receive, enough already being shown to stamp it not only as the largest but by far the finest church in New Hampshire.

 

The masonry, inclusive of stone and brick work, has been superintended by our worthy fellow-townsman, H. Dickey, Esq., who has certainly contributed his share to the embellishment of our growing city with substantial and ornamental edifices.

 

The woodwork throughout, from the skeleton frame to the minutest detail, is and has been in charge of Alpheus Gay, Esq., who has added this crowning proof of his abilities. In his line of business, Mr. Gay has accomplished a vast amount of useful labor, and his name is connected with many of our handsomest architectural structures.

 

The slating has been done by John C. Young, also of this city, executed in colored tiles, and is a complete job of its kind. Every part of this fine edifice seems to be built of the best materials; it is compact and solidly built and in the most workman-like manner and reflects great credit upon our Manchester builders.

 

The dimensions of the church building proper are 146 feet long by 70 wide, the rear portion extending north and south to a still greater width, and the vaulted ceiling having a height of 50 feet from the main floor. A two-storey chapel is connected with and built upon the main building; south of the altar or chancel this chapel will accommodate 200 children. On the north of the altar are the commodious vestry and robing rooms, also two stories high. The chancel itself is spacious and of beautiful and elaborate design, and will contact three altars.

 

(The vestry and robing rooms mentioned in the previous paragraph do not exist in the present church. They were removed when the Cathedral was enlarged by Bishop Bradley in 1894.)

 

We understand that the frescoing and the interior ornamental painting will also be of first quality, the contract for this work not being concluded. The building with its chapel will accommodate an audience of 1800, without recognizing standing or kneeling room, for which ample space remains. Should it be crowded as other buildings are, not less than 3,000.

 

The estimated cost of the enterprise is between $60,000 and $70,000. We are informed by parties who know that every dollar of this sum is to be contributed by the Catholic Society of the city. Catholics certainly deserve credit for the erection of the beautiful church completed many years ago, (Saint Anne’s) and the subsequent erection of their fine Academy and school buildings on Union Street. But they deserve still more honor for the new and magnificent church they are now building.

 

The coming Fall will undoubtedly witness the completion of work, when it will be dedicated with appropriate and imposing ceremonies. Until then we defer further description.

 

The Dedication of Saint Joseph Church

 

            The building was formally dedicated on April 18, 1869. Following is the newspaper account of the ceremony taken from “The Manchester Daily Union” of April 19, 1869.

 

The dedication of Saint Joseph Church took place yesterday, the services commencing at 10:30 o’clock. Previous to the ceremonies at the church the Saint Patrick’s Society formed in procession, moving from the Catholic Church on Merrimack Street through Elm, Concord, Union and Lowell Streets to the new church. The procession numbered upwards of 300 members in regalia, headed by the Manchester Cornet Band, and made a fine appearance. Large as was this procession, it was thrown completely in the shade by the outside thronging multitude, and by the time the line reached the end of the route the mass of people, old and young and of both sexes, must have been but little short of 5,000.

 

The procession after moving twice around the church block halted with the left resting in front of the residence of Reverend Father O’Brien, corner of Union and Lowell Street. (This is the present Library Building.) Here were assembled the bishops, priests, and acolytes who, clad in the sacred vestments of their respective offices, marched in solemn procession to the church, headed by the bishop bearing the symbolic crozier or pastoral staff.

 

Arrived at the church the ceremony of blessing the walls was performed, the bishops and priests marching in order to each of the main portals, where a like ceremony was repeated, with the utterance of the usual solemn formulas of consecration. Having at length entered the church led by members of the Saint Patrick’s Society, for whom seats had been reserved, the capacious church including the adjoining chapel and organ gallery was found to be filled, and the whole number present must have been between 1700 and 1800. The grand organ now sounded the introduction of Mozart’s Twelfth Mass, the clergy making the circuit of the church through the aisles, chanting the service appropriate to this part of the ceremony.

 

The altar was then prepared for solemn High Mass, the Litany was repeated, and the service proceeded in impressive order, conducted by the following reverend gentlemen: Right Reverend J.J. Williams, D.D., archbishop of Boston, consecrating bishop; Right Reverend D.W. Bacon, of Portland, bishop of this diocese; Right Reverend F.P. McFarland, D.D, bishop of Hartford; Reverend P.G. Delaney of Pawtucket, RI, chaplain; Reverend Father Cuddihy of Milford, MA, celebrant; Reverend John O’Donnell of Nashua, master of ceremonies; Reverend J. Donnelly, of New Brunswick, deacon; Reverend John E. Barry, of Concord, subdeacon; Reverend L.M. Lodge of Lawrence; Reverend Father Devine of Roxbury, MA, Reverend W.M. McDonald and Reverend John O’Brien of this city, completed the list. The dedication sermon was preached by Bishop Bacon—a brief but sensible discourse—the text being from the 42nd Psalm, “I will go to the altar of God, to God who giveth joy to my youth.”

 

In his sermon on the dedication of the church, Bishop Bacon gave notice that Reverend John O’Brien, of whom he spoke in the highest terms, has been designated as pastor of the new flock, Reverend Father McDonald preferring to remain with the older congregation of Saint Anne’s. It was also announced that Saint Joseph’s Church, now solemnly dedicated to the service of God, was hereafter to be kept open for public worship. It would be useless for us to attempt a detailed description of the high ceremonial Mass preceding the discourse.

 

We are informed that the bouquets adorning the altar at the New Catholic Church yesterday were composed of natural flowers from the grounds of Honorable E.A. Straw of this city.

 

Father O’Brien’s Pastorate—1869-1878

 

            Father O’Brien took up residence in the house which stood on Lowell Street where the present rectory is located. At first renting it, the house was later purchased. When the present rectory was built in 1885 the house was moved to its present location and is now known as the Library building.

 

            During the ten years of Father O’Brien’s pastorate, development of parish activities, though humble, was praiseworthy. Always solicitous for the spiritual interests of his people, Father O’Brien formed one society after another to help them carry the spirit of faith into their daily lives. For the children he had the Angel Guardian Society; for the young women, the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception which, at its inception, numbered about one hundred.

 

            In August 1872, with the assistance of Patrick A. Devine and Charles A. O’Connor, he organized the Saint Paul’s Catholic Total Abstinence and Mutual Benefit Society, of which he was the first spiritual director; Mr. Devine, its first president; John Slattery, vice-president; Robert Donnelly, financial secretary; Charles O’Connor, recording secretary; Festus Devine, treasurer. The men met first in the sacristy; then, as their numbers increased, they moved to the boys’ school; next, to a hall at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets, known and Fanueuill Hall, which they shared with the Saint John’s C.T.A. and M.B. Society of Saint Anne’s and finally to a hall of their own on Manchester Street. Faneuill was really two halls.

 

            At about the same time was formed a Temperance Cadet Corps for boys under sixteen. Its captain was Joseph Connolly, son of Captain Connolly, veteran of the Civil War. The latter drilled them in military tactics and trained them for various athletic contests and competitive drills.

 

            Father O’Brien also interested himself in Catholic education. Probably few of the present generation are aware that the first school for boys of the parish was in two dressing-rooms of what is now the Superintendent of Schools Office on Lowell Street, the main rooms of which were used by public school children. Two Sisters of Mercy had charge of the Catholic boys. The next school was in a private dwelling of old-fashioned type, with two good-sized rooms in front, with folding doors between. By sliding the doors back these front rooms made one large school-room; the spacious kitchen made another; in these one hundred and twenty-five boys were taught by two Sisters of Mercy. Upstairs two more Sisters cared for about the same number of girls.

 

            These accommodations soon became insufficient, but finances did not yet warrant building. Some priests would have been discouraged, but Father O’Brien was undaunted. It will be recalled that at the southeast corner of the church there was originally a chapel about twenty-three feet by fifty, with a hall above used for Sunday school classes and for meetings of various societies. This upper space Father O’Brien partitioned into two schoolrooms, to which he transferred the girls, leaving the Lowell Street house to the boys. These rooms were heated by wood stoves, and the fuel had to be brought from the basement and piled in the entry ready for use.

 

            By 1878 larger and better accommodations for the boys became imperative, and the erection of the present brick structure was begun. (This became the Saint Joseph School at 50 Lowell Street.) But the resignation of Father O’Brien, following a trip to Europe for the benefit of his health, and his retirement to Bath, Maine, retarded the carrying out of the plans, though the process of construction went on intermittently during the next few months, when the parish affairs were administered under the supervision of Father McDonald, by the Reverend Thomas Kealy, who had been an assistant at Saint Anne’s.

 

Father Thomas Kealy Administration—1878-1880

 

            By 1878 Father O’Brien’s health had failed and he retired as pastor, returning to Bath, Maine. During the next few years the parish affairs were administered by Father Thomas Kealy under the supervision of Father McDonald, Saint Anne’s pastor. Father Kealy had been a curate at that church. During this time the work and gains of Father O’Brien were solidified, the parish societies strengthened, and the debt reduced. Plans were already in preparation in Portland to send the Chancellor of the diocese, Father Denis Bradley, to this parish. This eventuated in June, 1880.

 

Father Denis M. Bradley—1880-1884

 

            Bishop James A. Healy, bishop of Portland, Maine, sent Father Denis Bradley to Saint Joseph’s parish in Manchester in June, 1880. At that time the State of New Hampshire was part of the diocese of Portland and Father Bradley had been secretary, chancellor, and rector of the Portland Cathedral. He was born in Ireland in 1846 and came to Manchester with his widowed mother in 1854. Educated at the Park Street School and a member of Saint Anne’s parish, he attended Holy Cross College and Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Troy, NY, where he was ordained on June 3, 1871. During his vacations from school he worked in the Amoskeag Mill.

 

            His first work in the parish was to complete and open the Saint Joseph School for Boys and enlarge the girls’ school. He reorganized the sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary with membership of 750. For the older girls there was the Sacred Heart Sodality and for the men, there was the Saint Paul’s Total Abstinence and Mutual Benefit Association and the Saint Patrick Society. The Catholic population of the city was in constant growth and so were the church services. His curates at that time were Fathers James Doherty, John McKenna, Eugene O’Callaghan and Francis X. Burke. The City of Manchester was at that time about the present size of Concord.

 

            From the beginning, Father Bradley took an active interest in the financial matters of the parish. At his coming, the debt on the parish was in the vicinity of $22,000. In September, three months after his arrival, he held a Fair in the City Hall. The announcements for September 26, 1880 have a familiar ring:

 

The fair opens at City Hall tomorrow evening and continues for two weeks. We urge your attendance, afternoons and evenings. Send in your returns on the tickets as soon as possible. Let us not appear ridiculous in the eyes of the community by having a fair and not attending it. If you find you cannot spend, at least come to the fair and show your interest. You ought to be encouraged by the interest taken by the Protestants.

 

            The profit was $4,936.35. By 1884, when the diocese was formed, the debt was $7,000.00.

 

Formation of the Diocese—1884

 

            Many conjectures were made as to where the see would be established, Manchester and Concord both hoping for the honor. People throughout the state, Protestants as well as Catholics, who were at all familiar with Father Bradley’s life and work up to this time, looked to him as the most likely selection for the head of the new diocese, and when, on Palm Sunday, 1884, the official news of his appointment came from the Right Reverend Bishop of Springfield, it was more of a surprise to him than to anyone else. Everybody was satisfied. The rare executive ability that had enabled him in the short space of four years to reduce the heavy debt on his church two-thirds, his common sense, his sincerity and deep piety, had won the affection and gratitude of his own people, the respect and esteem of all.

 

            On the eleventh of June, he was consecrated, being then, at the age of thirty-eight, the youngest bishop in the United States. The Most Reverend John J. Williams, D.D., Archbishop of Boston, was the consecrating prelate, assisted by the Right Reverend John Moore, D.D., Bishop of Saint Augustine, Florida. The sermon was preached by the Right Reverend James A. Healy, D.D., Bishop of Portland. Besides these prelates, there were present the Right Reverend Bernard O’Reilly, D.D., Bishop of Springfield, the Right Reverend James A. Hendricken, D.D., Bishop of Providence, and one hundred and eighty priests.

 

            Among the first works demanding his attention was the parish property. A map of the city dated 1870 shows the original church on the corner of Pine and Lowell Streets. In back of it, and facing Lowell Street, was a house called the J. Mooar-D.A. Simmonds house in the area now occupied by the Chapel and monument. The house was privately owned. Next to his house and facing Lowell Street was the parish Rectory. This is the building we now call the Library. In 1885, the parish purchased the Mooar-Simmonds house which was moved to Amherst Street and formed part of the Sacred Heart Hospital. Bishop Bradley moved the Rectory to the southeast corner of the lot where it now stands and in the Fall of 1885, it became the home of the Brothers of the Christian Schools who taught in the Saint Joseph High School for Boys. Later it served as a parish library and as a classroom for the Girls’ High School. The present Rectory was constructed in 1885.

 

            At the time of Bishop Bradley’s consecration, the original Saint Joseph Church became the Cathedral of the diocese. The building proved inadequate, and in 1892 plans were made to enlarge it. The present sanctuary was built, the sacristy area was added, and the Chapel constructed. The old stained glass windows were removed and replaced by the present windows. (Two of the original windows are now in the Chapel.) New altars and pews were added. A small sacristy and Chapel connected to the original Church and facing Lowell Street were demolished. The burial vault for the bishops of the diocese was constructed under the high altar. Finally on April 16, 1894, the new buildings were consecrated to the worship of Almighty God in an elaborate ceremony. The work had cost $100,000. (The monument honoring the bishops of the diocese now standing in the garden area near the Chapel was erected by Bishop Delany. One of Bishop Bradley’s last requests was that his successor would erect this monument to remind the Faithful that they should pray for their bishops.)

 

Consecration of the Cathedral—Sunday, April 15, 1894

 

            The actual ceremony of consecration took place “at an early hour” as the program states, and it was performed by Bishop Bradley. He was assisted by Fathers Jeremiah Desmond, Timothy Coakley, Charles Hennon, Francis O’Neil, Father George Guertin, later to be appointed third bishop of the diocese, who acted as chanter and cross bearer. The extended ceremony included the blessing and anointing of twelve consecration crosses on the walls of the building. Mass followed at 8 o’clock offered by Bishop Michaud, co-adjutor of the Burlington diocese. A solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop John J. Williams of Boston was offered at 10:30.

 

            The local paper, “The Manchester Mirror,” under the headlines BEAUTIFUL CATHEDRAL CONSECRATED IN HIS NAME gave extensive coverage to the ceremony, calling it the “most eminent Catholic event ever witnessed in this city, Archbishop Williams of Boston graces the occasion with his presence.” The article continues:

 

Long before the time came for the doors to be opened, the people by hundreds began to gather in front of the cathedral, until an immense throne were seeking admittance. It is estimated that nearly three thousand people witnessed the ceremony, while the steps and the street in front and at each side of the cathedral must have contained as many more, while hundreds went away disappointed at not being able to get inside the edifice.

 

The services attracted a large number of prominent citizens who were given places of honor at the front of the church. Among these the reported notices Ex-Governor Moody Currier, His Honor Mayor E.J. Knowlton, Honorable G. Byron Chandler, Mr. Charles L. Richardson, Judge L.B. Clough, Mr. C.D. McDuffie, Honorable John C. Linehan, Honorable John M. Mitchell and Mr. P.H. Larkin of Concord, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Varick, Mrs. Henry Burnham, Dr. and Mrs. L.M. French, Misses Pauline and Nellie Wiggin, Honorable Alpheus Gay, Major Darwin A. Simons, Mr. Frank P. Johnson, General H.A. Farrington, Honorable Charles T. Means, Mr. Rosecrans W. Pillsbury, Mr. Walter G. Africa, Mr. Frank P. Carpenter, Honorable Frank M. Rollins, Dr. Thomas Wheat, Mr. Henry Chandler, Mr. John M. Chandler, Honorable Leonard P. Reynolds, Honorable N.S. Clark, Mr. George H. Chandler, Mr. Harry D. Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Somes, Commissioner John F. Clough.

 

A pew near the front was reserved for Bishop Bradley’s aged mother. The medical staff of the Sacred Heart Hospital also occupied seats at the front.

 

At 10:30 o’clock accompanied by the music of the inspiring processional march, the reverend clergy marched solemnly down the central aisle of the cathedral to the front of the altar. Following the cross-bearer were two acolytes, after which came the sanctuary boys followed by the Christian Brothers and the priests and bishops. Bishop Bradley was conducted to his throne, and the other bishops and priests took their places behind him and behind the throne of the archbishop, which had been erected opposite. Archbishop Williams was conducted to his throne by those who were to assist him in the celebration of the Mass.

 

There ceremonies accompanying the celebration of the grand pontifical Mass were performed in a most imposing manner by the archbishop, assisted by the Reverend John J. Barry, V.G. of Concord, as assistant priest; Reverend D.W. Murphy of Dover and Reverend J.A. Chevalier of this city, deacons of honor; Reverend E.M. O’Callaghan of Portsmouth and Reverend O. J. Davignon of Suncook, deacon and sub-deacon; Reverend Father Guertin of this city, archiepiscopal cross bearer; Reverend Father Charles Hennon, first master of ceremonies, and Reverend Father O’Neil, second master of ceremonies.

 

The sermon of the occasion was preached by Right Reverend Thomas D. Beaven of Springfield, MA.

 

The Cathedral Windows

 

            Stained-glass windows in a church serve a double function. They add beauty to the building, but more importantly, they are an aid to piety. By studying the subjects of the windows, we should be moved to holy thoughts and resolutions. The windows of the Cathedral serve this double function in an admirable manner. They are exceptionally beautiful, and with their many-faceted colors, they are like jewels set in a precious crown. The subjects of these windows speak to us of the mysteries of our religion, centering on the life of Christ and His Blessed Mother.

 

            The windows, all donated, were installed for the consecration of the Cathedral in 1894. They were crafted in Innsbruck, Austria, by the firm of Tiroler Glazmalerei. The subjects for the windows and their placement were determined by Bishop Bradley.

 

The Cathedral Clergy

 

Following is a list of the Clergy who have served at Saint Joseph Cathedral Parish. The date indicated is the year they were assigned to the parish.

 

Pastors

 

1869                                Reverend John O’Brien, Founder

1878                                Reverend Thomas D. Kealy, Administrator

1880                Reverend Denis M. Bradley

1884                Bishop Denis M. Bradley, D.D.

1904                Bishop John B. Delany, D.D.

1907                Bishop George A. Guertin, D.D.

1931                Bishop John B. Peterson, D.D.

1945                Bishop Matthew F. Brady, D.D.

1960                Bishop Ernest J. Primeau, S.T.D.

1961                Monsignor Edward A. Clark, V.G., P.A.

1967                Monsignor Thomas S. Hansberry, V.G., P.A.

1975                Monsignor Edwin A. Francoeur

1984                Monsignor Lawrence Burns

2003                Reverend Joseph M. Cooper

 

Rectors

 

1884                                Reverend Thomas B. Reilley

1886                Reverend Andrew J. Timon

1889                Reverend Edward D. Mackey

1894                Reverend James E. Emerson

1895                Reverend Charles R. Hennon

1902                Reverend James H. Brennan

1909                Reverend Thomas M. O’Leary

1915                Monsignor Jeremiah S. Buckley

1928                Monsignor Edward A. Clark

1991                Reverend Humbert M. Oliveira 

2002                Reverend Joseph M. Cooper

 

All should hold in very high esteem

the liturgical life of the diocese

which centers around the Bishop,

especially in his Cathedral Church.

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 41.

 

            In the Catholic Church, the Cathedral stands as both an affirmation and a reflection of the spiritual power which the Church represents among its people, a power embodied in its bishops. It is the place where one expects to find in the bishop the fullness of the priesthood, reflecting environmentally a sense of solemnity and the evocation of the continuity of apostolic succession. The Cathedral is also the people’s church. There, they find a gathering place to which they come as affirmation of the human community they represent.

 

            The diocesan Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Manchester has, for one hundred years, responded to this challenge. Established as a parish church in 1869 when Father McDonald, Manchester’s pioneer priest, summoned the architect Patrick C. Keeley of Brooklyn to design it, this parish church became the Cathedral when the diocese was formed on April 15, 1884. Keeley produced some 16 cathedrals and 600 churches in this country. To accommodate episcopal functions, Bishop Bradley enlarged the Catehdral in 1894, its silver jubilee, adding the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the sacristy area. Patrick W. Ford of Boston was the architect, and he had already designed the main building of Saint Anselm College. The Cathedral remained in this condition until the conclusion of Vatican II when, in 1969, the centenary of the parish, it was adapted to the many changes required by the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Council.

 

            Saint Joseph Cathedral has been the scene of the most important events in the history of the diocese. Five bishops have received their episcopal ordination here; all seven bishops have been officially installed here. Priestly ordinations are numbered in the hundreds. Religious have made their solemn professions here. Five bishops received their solemn obsequies and rest now in the crypt directly beneath the altar of sacrifice.

 

            The walls of the Cathedral have echoed with the religious and secular life of the diocese. Bishops have given thanks for the cessation of hostilities; they have mourned the passing of presidents. Here the faithful have assembled with calls for justice, world peace and brotherhood, here the ecumenical spirit was launched. The exuberance of diocesan youth has been heard. The Cathedral has nurtured the various ethnic groups—the Italian, Polish, Lithuanian, the Lebanese, and now the Hispanic cultures. It has seen the convocation of two diocesan synods; it has hosted the various cultural institutions of the community.

 

            And yet it has remained the parish church for its parishioners. Here they have worship Sunday after Sunday; here they have been nurtured by the sacramental life of the Church. It has been and is now the House of God and the gateway to Heaven. Proud of their commitment, they have shouldered its burdens, gloried in its honors.

 

            Saint Joseph Cathedral embarks on its second century with confidence and gratitude to God, holding fast to the chair of episcopal authority. Manchester’s bishops have emblazoned on their escutcheons that Christ is the Rock, and that His kingdom, with the prayers of Our Lady and Saint Joseph, will forever proclaim unity, charity and peace. The future is in safe hands.