Michelle: Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Upon entering Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, I was amazed. I was so beautiful. It is Ireland's largest church and was founded beside a sacred well where St. Patrick is said to have dunked and baptized converts from Paganism to Christianity around 450A.D. A stone slab that bears a Celtic cross and covers the well was un-earthed at the turn of the 20th century.

It is now preserved in the west end of the cathedral's center. The original building was just a wooden chapel and remained so until 1192 when Archbishop John Comyn rebuilt the cathedral in stone. Much of the present building dates back to work completed between 1254 and 1270.

It welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year – and their offerings are the major part of the Cathedral’s income. Yes, I did give my share. But aside from the glory of the building and its many monuments, the main purpose of the Cathedral is worship, and it is unique in having two sung services every day except Saturday.

Here is a preview of the choir:


I sat among many others who listened to the choir that day. It was very relaxing to hear the beautiful, female voices.