Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis history

1851 Bishop Joseph Cretin travels to Carondelet, Missouri to request that the Sisters of St Joseph come to the new diocese.

Catholic Charities began serving the poorest and most vulnerable members of our community in 1869; the independent non-profit organization continues to serve more than 30,000 of our neighbors every year.

1888 On May 4, the Diocese of Saint Paul is elevated to Archdiocese, and John Ireland is appointed its first Archbishop.

The Cathedral of Saint Paul is dedicated in April 1915, although construction is not yet completed.

1926 The Pro-Cathedral was raised to the rank of a minor Basilica by Pope Pius XI. It was the first basilica to be designated in the nation and its name became the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minneapolis.

1941 The Ninth National Eucharistic Congress is held in the Twin Cities under the sponsorship of Archbishop Murray.

1962 The Vatican grants official recognition of our patron saints: Saint Paul as our primary patron and Saint John Vianney as our secondary patron.

The Catholic Interracial Council of the Twin Cities is formed in 1965 to assist minority students in local Catholic high schools.

1979 The Commission on Women is established as an Advisory Committee.

2004 A Global Solidarity Partnership begins with the Diocese of Kitui, Kenya.

The Commission was disbanded in January 2008 but its work continues through the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Office of Marriage, Family and Life.

2009 The Cathedral of Saint Paul designated a national shrine of the Apostle Saint Paul.

2010 In October, the Archdiocese announces its strategic plan, establishing a framework for greater accountability, ongoing evaluation, improved transparency and more collaboration.

Attendance tops 15,000 for the Rediscover: Faith 2013 Speakers Series.

2015 On December 13, the Holy Doors of the Cathedral and Basilica are opened and a papal blessing is given to mark the beginning of the Year of Mercy.