Associated Press
ST. PAUL — The Vatican has designated the Cathedral of St. Paul to be the first national shrine in honor of Saint Paul.
Archbishop John Nienstedt requested the honor. Under church law, the designation signifies the cathedral as a destination for pilgrimages by the faithful.
Archdiocese officials say it’s expected to significantly increase the number of visitors to the cathedral. It will be the first national shrine in the state of Minnesota.
Saint Paul is honored in the cathedral with a series of bronze grills that depict major events in his life. The St. Paul Cathedral opened for worship in 1915.
