St. Patrick’s Cathedral was the first church built in Karachi and province. The building, standing for 175 years, is currently undergoing a three-year restoration project reported Fides News Agency.
“This year we celebrate the platinum jubilee of the Cathedral. The building is well known for its Gothic-Renaissance architecture, and can accommodate up to 1500 people”, said the rector Fr. Mario Rodrigues, in a recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Sindh Province, Syed Murad Ali Shah, who undertook to financially support the restoration of the interior of the Cathedral.
“The historical and ancient architectural works of the building, particularly those in stone, the stained glass windows and the wooden ones date back almost 146 years ago”, the priest added.
Various scenes of the Holy Bible are depicted on the windows of the Cathedral, including the sacrifice of Isaac, the Annunciation, the Nativity of Jesus, the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt and the Passion of Jesus.
“The building of the Cathedral is a cultural heritage that cannot be totally demolished and rebuilt; we must preserve and protect our history. This is the reason why the project is financially demanding”, said Fr. Mario Rodrigues after the meeting with Ali Shah.
Prime Minister Sindh, who studied at the St. Patrick’s High School, hailed the Catholic Church’s good works within the province, especially in providing educational and health services.
In April, the fundraising team of this project had organized an ‘Eat and Music Festival’.
