Dubuque’s Mother Church

In this bonus episode of the Emmaus Pastorate's Podcast, we are very happy to share the content of another great Catholic podcast, Catholic History Trek.  Their hosts, Kevin Schmiesing and Scott Schulze, retell parts of Catholic history that relate to current practices and issues.  One thread of their show is to showcase the Cradle of Catholicism in each of the United States.

For the last several years, the Archdiocese of Dubuque has conducted a special collection titled ArchdioceseOne for four specific purposes: seminarian education, priest retirement, legal immigration services, and cathedral church and campus repairs.  Over the last year, the Cathedral has received new grading and drainage outside the church, repairs to the roof and foundation, restored Maplewood floorings, new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, tuckpointing work, and repairs to the building’s façade.  New flooring was added to the Cathedral Center along with plaster repairs and new paint.   Paintings in the church were restored along with the stenciling and ornamentation on the walls.  Although the church was first used again at the Chrism Mass during Holy week, this Sunday, June 29 a grand unveiling with tours receptions will be held. 

If you have the opportunity to visit the cradle of Catholicism in Iowa, the Cathedral of St. Raphael, we highly suggest spending the time!  Seated just a few blocks from the Julien Dubuque bridge in downtown Dubuque, Iowa, the Cathedral is one reason the city is nicknamed the Masterpiece on the River!  The Emmaus Pastorate appreciates Kevin and Scott for sharing their research with us, and we celebrate the newly restored seat of our Archdiocese!