The building on Marlborough Street has only officially had temporary status as a cathedral since it was opened 200 years ago today in honour of St Laurence O’Toole, as there were plans to build another elsewhere in the city.
During a mass today said by Archbishop Dermot Farrell, the decree of Pope Leo XVI was presented to the congregation.
Dublin has not had a Catholic cathedral since the Reformation, with the Pro Cathedral designated as the city’s main catholic church for the past 200 years.
“I am pleased to announce that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has consented to my request and has approved by decree that Saint Mary’s be designated as the Cathedral Church of our Archdiocese,” said Archbishop Farrell.
The Archbishop said that he recognises that the world and indeed the church, is facing many trials, particularly with regards to the lack of “vibrancy” with which faith is celebrated, but stressed the unchanged importance of the cathedral, as “a place of people, and a place for people, and particularly a place for the Christian community.”
During Mass Archbishop Dermot Farrell holds up the decree of Pope Leo XIV designating St Mary’s as the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Dublin. Photo: Catholic Communications Office
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Friday, November 14
The location of St Mary’s Cathedral means that it is in the heart of a community that are socially isolated and experiencing poverty, and it is to those, Archbishop Farrell said that the Cathedral belongs.
He commented on the commercialisation of the city centre, which has resulted in the displacement of supports and resources, “while the streets of the city centre bear witness to the extent of homelessness and addiction.”
“My prayer is that this cathedral will continue to be a place that offers sanctuary – somewhere that fosters and shelters personal prayer and reflection, a place of encounter with the person of Jesus makes us who we are, and shapes what we do, how we live.”
Archbishop Farrell continued: “Two-hundred years ago today, on the Feast of Saint Laurence O’Toole, this church was dedicated. It was dedicated in a time when courage was required to conceive and undertake a project such as this. While we may rightly marvel at the Dublin Catholics of that time, with Catholic Emancipation still a few years away, we would do well not to miss the wood for the trees.
“Today 200 years afterwards, it is with great joy that I am pleased to announce that the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has consented to my request and has approved by decree that Saint Mary’s be designated as the Cathedral Church of our Archdiocese.”
North Inner City councillor Nial Ring said it was a “truly a momentous day for the people of Dublin and particularly for the North Inner City community”.
“For two hundred years, St Mary’s has stood as a symbol of faith and resilience under its ‘Pro Tempore’ designation. To see the ‘Pro’ officially dropped, coinciding with its bicentenary, is a powerful recognition of its central role in the life of our city,” he said.
“This is a great victory given that two years ago there was a plan to designate St Andrew’s Church on Westland Row as the city Cathedral and, if implemented, that decision would have resulted in a downgrading of St. Mary’s (The Pro-Cathedral). I recall the strong and angry community reaction to that proposal.”
“This designation is more than just a change in name; it is an affirmation of the North Inner City as the spiritual heart of Dublin,” he said.
