Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral - P.O. Box 301767 - St.Thomas, US Virgin Islands 00803
TAKE A TOUR!
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FIND US!
The Cathedral is located in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, on the western wing of the commercial district. From the Market Square building on Main Street, follow Kronprindsens Gade west (street name in Danish), walk pass the Catholic School and you will find the Cathedral at 21-22 Kronprindsens Gade, next to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School. Telephone: (340) 774-0201 - Email: cathedralvi@gmail.com
THE BISHOP'S CHAIR
ORIGIN OF THE WORD "CATHEDRAL"
"The word "cathedral" is derived from the French cathédrale, from the Latin cathedra ("seat"), from the Greek καθέδρα kathédra, "seat, bench", from κατά kata "down" and ἕδρα hedra "seat, base, chair."
The word refers to the presence and prominence of the bishop's or archbishop's chair or throne..."(Wikipedia)
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, located on the island of Saint Thomas, US. Virgin Islands, is the "official church of the Bishop".
It is the mother church of the Diocese of St. Thomas.
OUR VISION
In the footsteps of our holy Patrons, Saint Peter and Saint Paul, our Parish embraces our Lord Jesus Christ's own Vision for His Church:
• “…Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep” (John 21: 15-17)
• “… Open (my people’s) eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may obtain forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been consecrated by faith in me.” (Acts 26: 18)
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Our as a Parish is to continue the Ministry of Jesus Christ by:
•Preaching the Gospel to a Caribbean Community while staying within the Roman Catholic Church version
•Furthering the faith of God’s people with sound teaching and meaningful liturgies in keeping with the apostolic tradition.
•Promoting and implementing inclusive strategies to meet the needs of the populations that worship at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.
COME WORSHIP WITH US!
The Cathedral is open to visitors between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm (upon request, due to the Covid-19 pandemic). You are welcome to our Weekday Masses, Monday to Saturday (7:00 am). Our complete Mass Schedule can be found on our Masses & Confessions page. The paintings, murals and the total atmosphere of our worship space, conducive to prayer and meditation will make your trip a treasure and a memorable journey in Saint Thomas.
Enjoy your visit! Please, join us in our effort by your prayers and support.
The Most Reverend Jerome Feudjio extends his best wishes to you and your respective families.
RESTORATION
The present Cathedral’s building was erected in 1848. On September 6th, 2017 Hurricane Irma violently hit St. Thomas, followed less than 2 weeks later on September 19th, 2017, by Hurricane Maria. Both hurricanes were category 5.
To preserve the artistic beauty of this spiritual abode, His Excellency Herbert Armstrong Bevard (Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas, from 2008 to 2020), with the help of now Bishop Jerome Feudjio (2021 to date), worked with great dedication to the restoration of the Cathedral.
The restoration is ongoing to date!
HISTORIC DATES OF INTEREST
• 1666 First Danish settlers arrive on St. Thomas
• 1773 Danish King officially sanctions the Catholic church
• 1802 First Catholic church building purchased from Danish Crown
• 1804 Fire destroys the church
• 1806 New building was consecrated and named after the two apostles Saints Peter & Paul
• 1828 First building on present site completed with altar facing East
• 1837 A severe hurricane destroys much of the building
• 1848 Present building is consecrated
• 1960 Pope John XXIII created the Prelature of the Virgin Islands
with the Church of Saints Peter & Paul as the Cathedral Parish
• 1977 Prelature raised to the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands
• 2004 Capital Campaign to restore and refurbish Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral begins
HISTORICAL DIOCESAN DATES
October 6, 1960
Most Reverend Edward John Harper, C.Ss.R, DD was consecrated Bishop, to serve the newly created Prelature of the Virgin Islands.
April 20, 1977
The Diocese of Saint Thomas, in the Virgin Islands, was established.
April 20, 1977
Most Reverend Edward John Harper, C.Ss.R. DD was installed as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
October 16, 1985
Most Reverend Sean Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., Ph.D. was installed as the Second Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Thomas.
June 22, 1992
Most Reverend Bishop Sean Patrick O’Malley, OFM Cap., Ph.D. was transferred by the Holy Father to the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts.
December 12, 1993
Most Reverend Elliott Griffin Thomas was consecrated Third Bishop of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands.
June 30, 1999
Most Reverend Georges Vance Murry, S.J., Ph.D was installed as Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Thomas upon the resignation of Bishop Elliot Griffin Thomas.
September 3, 2008
Most Reverend Herbert Armstrong Bevard was consecrated Fifth Bishop of Saint Thomas.
September 20, 2020
Most Reverend Herbert Armstrong Bevard’s resignation was accepted by Pope Francis. Following his resignation, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Washington D.C., Most Reverend Wilton Gregory was appointed to serve as the apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of St. Thomas, a suffragan Diocese of Washington.
March 2
Pope Francis appointed Monsignor Jerome Feudjio as the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Thomas.
April 17, 2021
Episcopal Ordination and Installation of the
Most Reverend Jerome Feudjio
Sixth Bishop of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands