If you haven’t visited the old Cathedral of Saint Raphael in Dubuque, Iowa, then you haven’t been to the oldest congregation of any Christian domination in Iowa. Established in 1833 by Catholic missionaries, it is now located next to the current Cathedral of Saint Raphael which was dedicated in 1861.
The Cathedral houses many relics in the Corridor of Saints behind the Statue of Saint Joseph. Some relics found there include:
- Relic from an Olive Tree in the Garden of Gethsemane, site of Our Lord’s prayer prior to the crucifixion
- Ex Praese DN (from birthplace of Our Lord)
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- St. Francis of Assisi
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- St. Ignatius of Loyola
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St. Augustine
among many others listed here. Tours can be scheduled and when the Cathedral is open to the public (as well as Mass times) can be found here.
The Cathedral of Saint Raphael is also only 12 miles away from the Dickeyville Grotto.
Have you been here? Comment below with your experience!