Geoff Flood, Saint John

My great-great-grandfather was a stonemason from Ireland and when he first came to Saint John and started his construction business, he helped to build the cathedral. In fact, we found a stone in the church that had his name engraved on it. That’s when I realized how deep our family’s connection is to this building, and the generations of people it represents.

Hugh Fitzpatrick, Saint John

Six generations of my family have lived in the house across the street from the cathedral on Waterloo Street. I could see the Cathedral and the Celtic Cross from the windows in our front parlor. In the Cathedral, I was baptized, had my First Communion, and became an altar boy. I went to school at St. Vincent’s just up the street. This parish, and this community, have been a part of my family for many years.

Joanne Fellows, Saint John

I have been a member of the Catholic community in Saint John for over 20 years and have attended Mass at the cathedral many times including special occasions. I have experienced Christmas Eve Mass, Good Friday and Easter Vigil Services, funerals, and Baccalaureate graduation celebrations with two of my children as they graduated from St. Malachy's Memorial High School. Whenever I am in the cathedral I feel God's presence around me and I am grateful that we have this beautiful church.

Anne Desmond, Saint John

My first memory of the Cathedral was coming here as a child to Mass with my parents and being awestruck by the magnificence of this space. I think that is partly what this building is -- a place where people living day-to-day life can come and step away from the ordinary into something sacred, beautiful, timeless and awesome.